Code: H28241
Stores reference 22c/2469. Size large. Manufactured with a moulded glass fibre resinate shell, integral internal foam backed leather padding, nylon webbing suspension harness and avionics. The Mk.2 & 2A helmet features a unique visor system operated by a large sprung loaded 'pull-down' bar at the forehead which never comes into view of the wearer. The retractable grey tinted anti-glare visor can be locked in the lowered position by a separate lever on the right side of the helmet. Vacuum formed plastic covers protect the visor pivot mechanism on each side and early helmets had a further cover along the front edge of the helmet, designed to protect the visor when raised. In practice this central cover caused problems in the cockpit with taller aircrews struggling for headspace and during ejection when it acted as an air scoop. Initially, the cover was attached by three pan head screws but these were changed to less permanent plastic rivets designed to fail if caught in ejection situations. Later variants like this one lack the cover and some earlier helmets had them removed.
This helmet has been fairly crudely repainted drab green at some point, there are scratches and small chips but it appears to be free of stress cracking. The visor mechanism is in excellent working condition and retains undamaged side covers. The visor itself has a distinctive oxygen mask 'cut-out' and is in good order. Fitted with adjustable oxygen mask hooknuts and an Airmed boom microphone. The internal padding is foam-backed tan leather, it's in good condition but as usual, the foam-backing has deteriorated with much having shed or been removed over the years. Some 'dust' continues to fall but is easily removed. The nylon suspension harness and purple satin lining material are both a little soiled. Fitted with ear capsules and a standard short pigtail loom and NATO plug. Comes in the original fibre transit/storage case, stores reference 22C/2405, based at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. The internal foam padding is deteriorating a bit but overall condition is good. Named to an AAC 656 Squadron airman, based at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. In the 1970s the squadron mainly operated from Hong Kong on Sioux & Scout helicopters. It was disbanded and later reformed at Farnborough taking part in Operation Agilia (Rhodesia) and Operation Corporate (Falklands).
The Mk.2 & 2A flying helmets superceded the MK.1A that was used in conjunction with a cloth type-G inner helmet. It was the first protective helmet to incorporate avionics and a retractable visor within one unit. This example is a bit tired and would benefit from careful cleaning or even refinishing. A great display piece. Stock code H28241.
