​​​FLIGHTGEAR.CH

 

C-TYPE  WIRED HELMET

"LATE PATTERN" - MODIFIED  

 

 

Swiss modified late pattern Type C leather flying helmet

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Having entered a career with the Swiss Air Force, this C-Type was subject to a bunch of modifications.

 

While the basic construction was not altered or "punched", ANB-H-1 earphones are fitted into American style sewn-on / stud-secured ear pockets. The internal wiring has been modified for both American and British communication equipment. It leads from the receivers into a combined braided/rubber cord arrangement ending into a six-pole plug. In our case an adapter eventually feeds the whole package into a British bell plug. If required, a different adapter would probably end into an American plug.

This arrangement calls for the use of a throat microphone, thus the late pattern C-Type's typical sewn-on mask microphone socket on the left became obsolete and was by consequence removed.

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An American or British oxygen mask can be attached by means of a series of studs on the left and a hook on the right.

Additional side-mounted wire loops and an adjustable top center strap provide attachment points for a three-strap oxygen mask, like the Swiss Huggenberger mask shown on the picture on the lower right. The document originates from 1954 and shows the helmet for use with the Swiss C-3603.

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After being retired as a combat aircraft by 1952, the sturdy K+W C-3603 was used as a target tug, illuminated target aircraft for anti-aircraft gunners and transport aircraft (dropping wooden cargo containers with emergency equipment) until the early 1970ies.

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Due to an imminent lack of Huggenberger oxygen masks in the flightgear.ch collection, the helmet is displayed with a modified Type A-14 which has an anti-suffocation valve installed.

The goggles are chamois lined Polaroid No.1065 , while the throat microphone is a T-30 manufactured by shure brothers.

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This picture shows a Bücker 131 pilot during a training mission in early 1970. He is wearing a modified Type C helmet with B-8 goggles and a Type A-14 oxygen mask. The latter is used as a microphone carrier (and face protection), as indicated by the missing oxygen hose. A Bückercombi and leather gloves complete the outfit.

 

 

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