Helmet, Flying, Type B-5, United States Army Air Corps

United States Army Air Corps Type B-5 flying helmet; quarter inch shearling panels with dark brown horse hide reinforcing tapes; light brown cow hide buckle chin strap with chamois lining; horse hide goggle snaps.

The Type B-5 winter flying helmet was developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps, Material Division at Wright Field in 1933. The cap incorporated several new design features to benefit the comfort of the pilot. Adjusting cords around the binding edge insured a snug fit around the pilot's head. A chin strap with a chin cup replaced the typical under chin straps of other helmets. This eliminated the chafing and choking effect of the under chin strap. Finally, a high arch on the back of the helmet also eliminated chafing on the back of the wearer's neck.