Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Share #1 Posted November 15, 2013 This is the latest addition to my collection of USAAF aviators' headgear. The B6 winter flying helmet was essentially similar to the B5 which preceded it, except for the addition of five hooks intended to retain the A-8-9-10 oxygen masks harnesses. This particular example has been further modified by the addition of molded leather cups which retain the R-14 receivers. As B6s left the factory they had no provision for communications equipment. This was added later at unit level. Small holes were cut in the shearling at each side so that the sound from the receivers could be heard and "riggers" sewed on the snap-fastened leather cups which held the receivers. Because of this, there are subtle variations to be found between various modified B6s, but overall they are essentially similar. The goggles are standard AN-6530s by Chas. Fisher. This type has the stamped air vents. (I obtained these in a recent trade with fellow forum-er and AAF collector, mr_lits...thanks Rob!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted November 15, 2013 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted November 15, 2013 The added hooks which are held in place by leather patches are identical to those found on M1 helmet chinstraps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted November 15, 2013 Threaded laces to adjust the fit of the helmet...and the shearling-covered chinstrap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted November 15, 2013 AAF decal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doinworkinvans Posted November 15, 2013 Share #11 Posted November 15, 2013 Holy Smokes!!! What a pristine example! What are those metal hooks for? That looks really really good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #12 Posted November 15, 2013 Thanks Dan. The hooks would secure the head-harness of the early style oxygen masks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted November 15, 2013 I should also point out that my example of the B6 helmet has been further upgraded by the addition of pairs of male snaps on each side to allow for the wearing of the more efficient A-14 mask in the manner illustrated below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SergeantMajorGray Posted November 15, 2013 Share #14 Posted November 15, 2013 Awesome flight helmets display amazing with the goggles I can only imagine how they look with a mask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry K. Posted November 15, 2013 Share #15 Posted November 15, 2013 Nice modifided helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted November 15, 2013 Share #16 Posted November 15, 2013 Very nice! Thanks for sharing it! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #17 Posted November 15, 2013 Thank you gentlemen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_lits Posted November 15, 2013 Share #18 Posted November 15, 2013 Great helmet Ian. Really clean example of a B6, love seeing em with the audio and O2 setups fully rigged out. Nice goggles too.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #19 Posted November 15, 2013 Great helmet Ian. Really clean example of a B6, love seeing em with the audio and O2 setups fully rigged out. Nice goggles too.... Thanks Rob...looks like your avatar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nack Posted November 15, 2013 Share #20 Posted November 15, 2013 Excellent example! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Leader Posted November 15, 2013 Share #21 Posted November 15, 2013 Beautiful B-6 in size large with leather ear cups added for the HS-18 radio set. Note only that the hook for the A-13/A-14 mask is a postwar model. The goggles are nice also ! Good place for the book ! A+ Mathieu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johan Willaert Posted November 15, 2013 Share #22 Posted November 15, 2013 Nice, Ian!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #23 Posted November 15, 2013 Beautiful B-6 in size large with leather ear cups added for the HS-18 radio set. Note only that the hook for the A-13/A-14 mask is a postwar model. The goggles are nice also ! Good place for the book ! A+ Mathieu Merci Mathieu...et félicitations pour votre livre! I did wonder about the hook (which came from my spares box) because of the added clip. I think I might have another without it! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #24 Posted November 15, 2013 It's predecessor...the B5...also made with no provision for communications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share #25 Posted November 15, 2013 A9...similary modified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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