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RAF Mk.4A flying helmet

SOLD

Code: H26134



By Helmets Ltd. of Wheathampstead.  Stores reference 22c/1303987.  Size small.  The MK.4A flying helmet provided a high level of protection against impact shock/blast/noise and compatability with a wide range of oxygen masks and ancillary equipment within a wide variety of aircraft, whilst also providing maximum comfort to the wearer.  The shell is of single piece rigid construction, moulded from hand laminated satin weave glass fibre impregnated with polyester resin.  On the inside of the shell, a shock absorbing closed cell expanded polystyrene moulding is fitted.  The lining incorporates an adjustable webbing suspension harness, communications headset and soft foam backed leather padding.  The helmet is fitted with a two-part nylon webbing chintrap and two injection moulded polycarbonate visors, the outer tinted for protection against glare.  The 'inner' clear blast visor is fitted with an adjustable lock, the antiglare visor is adjustable via friction mounts.  The shell has the original drab green paint finish and is in good '+' condition with scratches, scuffs and small chips commensurate with use.  Internally the helmet is reasonably good but the foam rubber backing on the neck and the brow padding are shedding as usual, which does leave a residue that needs cleaning up a bit.  It retains both gel filled ear capsules and full avionics but the receivers are worn and the short pigtail loom has lost quite a bit of the original rubber sheathing.  Part of the loom has been wrapped in insulating tape but the whole thing needs tidying up.  The loom terminates with a standard NATO plug (rubber covering worn).  The helmet is fitted with a socket for a multi-pin Socapex oxygen mask plug and oxygen mask hooknuts.  Both visors are have light scuffs and scratches even though they are protected with an attached velveteen cover (stores reference 22c/7636746).  The helmet shell is named to Flying Officer McCorry, 18 Squadron.  The avionics have been tested and do work but this does not indicate suitability for use or flight.  It comes in the original storage/transit case.  This is quite worn, lacks the foam rubber insert and appears to have had some resin type spill on the inner base (not sticky at all).  Whilst the helmet would benefit from some cleaning/tidying, it is a fairly good complete example and makes a great display piece.  Stock code H26134.