​​​FLIGHTGEAR.CH

 

STOFFHAUBE 

 

Type PA-481 cloth flying helmet

​

In an effort to reduce the effect of sun and heat under a perspex canopy, the Swiss designed this wired cloth summer helmet for pilots flying aircraft not equipped with ejection seats.

​

Its unlined lightweight construction of thin, white cotton is roughly based on the pattern used with the British C-Type helmet with an additional neck flap inspired by the D-Type tropical helmet.

​

The earphones are sewn into cloth ear pockets with the cord exiting at the back, passing through a pocket above the neck and guided through a snap-secured white leather loop behind the right ear.

The oxygen mask can be attached by means of snap fasteners on the left and a hook on the right.

The oxygen mask microphone (or throat microphone, when oxygen supply is not needed) is attached to the helmet by a two-pole socket behind the left ear. Soft white leather is used for the chin strap and the two rear goggle strap retainers, all buttoned up on one side and buckled on the other side. 

​

MS22001 oxygen mask "Röhrli" with microphone

​

Simulated blind flying goggles, USN 1-F-4B, Type I

 

These goggles (their USAAF counterpart being the Polaroid model 1087 IFT) were used for instrument training flights simulating darkness by a combination of cobalt blue plastic lenses in a B-8 style rubber frame and an amber film over the aircraft canopy. This effect still allowed the (student) pilot to read the aircraft instruments.

The Swiss Air Force also used M-1944 goggles with blue lenses for the same purpose.

​

Optiswiss F-343 sunglasses

​

These are the standard "comfort cable" type in use well into the 1990's. A Swiss derivative of the USAAF AN6531 /  G-2 sunglasses, the F-343 has stronger and heavier frames and bridge.

​

​