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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.

Windak full-pressure flying suit

1962

RAE flying suit

RAE flying suit

RAE flying suit with flexible headpiece

World War Two flying suit

flying suit

circa 1932

flying suit

RAE flying suit model I. All in one flying suit with gloves and helmet.

RAE flying suit, type B. All in one pressure suit.

RAE flying suit

B. F. Goodrich pressure suit with attached leather boots, plus helmet, 1959.

B. F. Goodrich pressure suit with attached leather boots

1959
Samples of stainless steel mesh as used in Windak full-pressure flying suits

Samples of stainless steel mesh as used in Windak full-pressure flying suits

Flying outfit, World War II, comprising: flying jacket and trousers, oxygen mask (type H), pair boots (1941 pattern), helmet (type B, naval), pair goggles (Mk VIII), pair gauntlets, shirt, collar and jacket

Flying outfit

Sidcot Flying Suit, Air Ministry issue, by Robinson & Cleaver Ltd., Regent Street, London, 1918. Suit developed by Sidney Cotton to provide warmth for pilots when flying in open cockpits.

Sidcot Flying Suit

1918
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.

Full-pressure flying suit

1962
Leather flying suit, zip fronted with leather belt, brown, 1930-40.

Leather flying suit, zip fronted with leather belt, 1930-40

1930-1940
Asbestos flying suit for airmen (as supplied to the R.A.F.), on dummy figure

Asbestos flying suit for airmen (as supplied to the R.A.F.)