TITLIS
The manufacturer, "Titlis Fiber Composites Ltd." active since 1970 and located in Ennetbürgen, Canton Nidwalden, ceased activities in 1990.
During the mid-1980s, the Swiss AF was looking for an aircraft suitable to replace the Mirage III. Among those evaluated the Northrop F-20, Mirage 2000, F-16 and the F/A-18, the evaluation winner.
Due to the ever-improving performance and air combat tactics, pilots were increasingly exposed to high acceleration. As a result, according to the Dübendorf FAI (Fliegerärtzliches Institut - Aero Medical Institute), spinal disorders were increasing observed with the weight of the pilot's helmet/mask system playing an important role.
The FAI consequently proposed to the AF to evaluate/ purchase new lightweight helmet and mask systems, with the lowest possible weight, optimal centre of gravity and good wearing comfort.
Looking for a “light helmet” bound to replace the in service “old” Gueneau 316 and DH-151, Two Titlis (#2 and #3) were flight tested and evaluated by the end of the 80s with other two competitors, the Gueneau ZEUS C and the Gentex H/ATS.
For more details about the evaluation, see HERE
To our knowledge, at least three Titlis were built, fitted with a Dräger P/N 787665-667 oxygen mask.
The helmet was evaluated positively in terms of comfort and balance, good centre of gravity and very good mask fit even under high “g”; nevertheless a number of snags were present:
-
The major one its weight - the highest of the three competitors;
-
Poor (tinny) audio quality;
-
Mask support cumbersome to operate;
-
Chin strap configuration not acceptable as it was not provided with a quick release system;
-
Due to the oxygen mask hose routing, a certain determent to turn the pilot’s head to the left.
The Titlis, as the other two tested helmets did not meet the necessary requirements. The procedure for the purchase of a lightweight helmet was discontinued.
Proto #1 (the one pictured here) was probably a proof of concept, undergone some tests in the lab and possibly never flew.