This helmet was worn during 1945-1946 by Capt. John Babel, a test pilot of the Lockheed P-80A. It was made at Muroc Flight Test Base from an Army Air Forces Type A-11 flying helmet and a Type M1942 Tanker's helmet. A hard helmet was necessary to protect the jet pilot's head becasue of the buffeting encountered at high speed while flying through rough, turbulent air. The Type A-13A oxygen mask and the Type B-8 goggles was worn with this helmet.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear
Manufacturer
Shelby Shoe Co.
Physical Description
Experimental Protective Flying Helmet; yellow painted Type M1942 tankers hard helmet with snap attachments to Type A-11 Leather flying helmet; M1942 helmet has brown leather webbing with cotton straps with snaps to attach to the Type A-11 helmet; the Type A-11 helmet has a dark brown leather exterior with internal black rubber earphones; earphones have chamois lining; brown rayon manufacturer's tag with tan letter text "TYPE A-11, SPECIFICATION NUMBER 3189, SIZE-MEDIUM, STOCK NO. 8300-396015, ORDER NO. (33-038)44-3177A A.F., THE SELBY SHOE CO., PROPERTY OF THE AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY" sewn on inside lining of helmet; leather chin strap; 3 snaps on for M1942 or oxygen mask on front of helmet; black rubber earphone patch cord with red plastic plug.
Dimensions
3-D: 16.5 x 21.6 x 19.1cm (6 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.)
Materials
Helmet: Hardened Fiber
Helmet: Leather
Straps: Cotton
Inventory Number
A19790676000
Credit Line
Donated by John Babel
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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