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IJAAF WINTER HELMET

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The winter flying helmet of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Forces was lined with either rabbit fur or a fabric imitating fur.

Otherwise it was of identical construction to the IJAAF summer helmet.

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On this example the typical Imperial Japanese Army Star on the forehead had been removed sometime in the past and was crudely "replaced" with a painted star added by a former owner. The goggle retaining straps are located behind the pressed leather ear cups. This arrangement is often referred to as the "fighter pattern".

Overall, the leather and construction of this specimen, as well as the fittings like straps, loops and buttons, are of much lower quality than on the other helmets featured on this website. This may be an indication of a late war production. So it is possible that the tan lining consists of the abovementioned fake fur.

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Fukazawa flying goggles

 

These otherwise standard issue flying goggles manufactured by either Fukazawa Aviation Optics Co. feature a central button sewn on between the clear glass lenses. The reddish-copper coloured frames are lined with brown velveteen-padded cushions and feature the manufacturer's logo, a stylized aircraft, embossed between the goggle strap screws.

The wood button is off a late war (1944) flight suit and was reportedly added custom, not being a standard feature of the goggles. 

It was most probably added by the user for use in high altitude cold weather conditions, corresponding with a flight helmet having a button whole on the front. Such an arrangement would keep the goggles and helmet in straight alignment on the user's head, either while in use in an open cockpit, at some other exposed crew position (aerial gunner) or during high-G maneuvers. 

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