Type B Flying Helmet
Issued to RAF flight crews between 1936 to 1941, this type of flying helmet was the type used by RAF fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain. The helmet is made from dark leather, with a cotton layer of padding and was lined with chamois. The chin strap is leather with a Bennett buckle. The helmets were not made to hold communications equipment but the domed leather ear cups could accommodate Gosport or Radio receivers. The two metal snaps fasteners on the side were to hold the oxygen mask, the Type B helmet was designed for the Type D oxygen mask but could be modified to fit other types of masks. The Type B helmet came in four different sizes.
Type C Flying Helmet, First Pattern
Issued in 1941, the first pattern Type C helmet was made from dark brown leather, was lined with chamois and included an elasticized back and a leather chin strap with a Bennett buckle. The radio receiver housings were made of moulded rubber, the first pattern C Type helmet did not include wiring for communication and an external wiring harness was used. The early first pattern C Type helmets were designed to use the Type E masks and have two snaps on the side, later versions were used the E* mask and had three snaps. Straps with fastening snaps on the both sides of the ear cups were to hold the goggle straps in place and were specifically designed to accommodate the Mk IV series of goggles.
Type C Flying Helmet, Second Pattern
The second pattern Type C helmet was the improved version of the first pattern. Introduced in 1944, the second pattern Type C helmet was the first wired helmet with factory installed receivers and wiring. Other changes included the omitting of the front goggle straps and the chin strap was made of grey elastic instead of leather.
Wanted for this helmet Wire Lanyard, the leather strap that hold/clips the wiring loom to the helmet.
Unknown Flying Helmet
Believed to be a post WWII Russian helmet that is a copy of Luftwaffe flying helmet. Still researching this one.
Type G Flying Helmet
Post WWII to 1976 Royal Air Force (RAF) flying helmet. Made of blue/grey coloured fabric with an internal wiring loom.
Gentex DH-41-1 (DH-411) Helmet
The Gentex DH-41-1 flight helmet was the standard issue flight helmet of the RCAF/CAF from the early 1960’s until the 1990’s and was used by fighter, helicopter, tactical pilots and flight crews.
This example is an ex-CAF/RCAF helmet and was last inspected on July 9 1991. It has the external microphone and was likely used by a helicopter pilot/crew.