Windak full-pressure flying suit

Windak full-pressure flying suit, complete with Taylor Helmet type F., by Windak Ltd, 1962. Pressure suits were developed during the 1930s for high altitude record breaking attempts. There was no real service requirement for full pressure suits until after the Second World War when military aircraft became capable of flying above 40,000 feet. The Windak suit is constructed from a single layer of gas tight rubberised silk bonded to strong cotton. The suit is internally pressurised by air in order to achieve a higher pressure upon the body then exists at high altitude. The pressure visor is electrically heated to prevent misting and closes automatically in an emergency.

Details

Category:
Aeronautics
Object Number:
1978-244 Pt1
Materials:
rubberised silk and cotton
type:
flying suit
credit:
Windak Limited