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Helmet, Flying, Type A-11, United States Army Air Forces

Air and Space Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
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    Object Details

    Manufacturer

    J. G. Menihan Corp.

    Physical Description

    United States Army Air Forces Type A-11 Intermediate Flying Helmet; seal brown cape leather exterior shell with black rubber earphone cups; missing black rubber earphone plugs or Type ANB-H-1 Radio Headphone Reciever; chamois lining and ear pads; cap leather and chamois buckle chin strap; turn down brow flap; three brass snaps for oxygen mask located on the left and right chin of the helmet; leather buckle strap on the back nap of the helmet to adjust the helmet size; three leather straps on back of helmet to hold the flight goggle's strap; double reinforced seam on each side of helmet; dark white sewn in manufacturer's tag on inside back neck of the helmet with embroidered red letter text (see incriptions for full text); white stenciled Army Air Forces winged star insignia with white letter text "ARMY AIR FORCES" below insignia on left exterior side of helmet. Gray rubber framed Polarize goggles with black elastic strap attached to helmet.

    Summary

    The Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet was standardized on August 6, 1943 and became one of the most popular and widely utilzied helmets during World War II. There were numerous but minor changes relating to the oxygen mask attachments made during its production run but continued to keep the A-11 designation. The rubber earphone mountings were designated for the Type ANB-H-1 radio reciever. The helmet remained in Air Force service during the Korean War. The Federal Avaition Administration (FAA) continued to use the helmet in high altitude training through the mid-1970s.

    Credit Line

    Found in collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises

    Inventory Number

    A20010456000

    Restrictions & Rights

    Usage conditions apply

    Type

    PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear

    Materials

    Helmet Exterior Shell: Cape Leather
    Lining: Chamois
    Earphone Cups: Rubber
    Earphone Padding: Kapok

    Dimensions

    Clothing: 24.1 x 25.4 x 26.7cm (9 1/2 in. x 10 in. x 10 1/2 in.)
    Clothing Size: Extra Large

    Country of Origin

    United States of America

    See more items in

    National Air and Space Museum Collection

    Data Source

    National Air and Space Museum

    Metadata Usage

    Not determined

    Link to Original Record

    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv97ab89e7f-878c-474e-a633-bd422adad81c

    Record ID

    nasm_A20010456000

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