agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Share #1 Posted May 16, 2013 Hey everyone. Just picked this up, and don't know anything about it have never seen another one, at least one from the Vietnam era anyway. Comes with hood and gloves, zipper works, but the rubber on it is bad in some spots. Measures about 6.5 feet from bottom of feet to top of neck, so its pretty big. Gloves and hood are attached with lines that are attached to the pockets, so I'm guessing that's where the hood and gloves go. Any info on it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. (also it may be for sale or trade so if anyone is interested let me know). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted May 16, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted May 16, 2013 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted May 16, 2013 stamp in gloves tag in pocket of suit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted May 16, 2013 close up of neck area with zipper... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted May 16, 2013 hood. This is the only piece as far as I can tell that can be inflated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted May 16, 2013 hood stamp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr01 Posted May 17, 2013 Share #8 Posted May 17, 2013 Very nice. These were usually custom fit to the crewmember at the wrists and neck by trimming back the rubber to allow for a watertight seal without restricting breathing or blood flow. The issue two piece quilted nylon underwear, AKA "Chinese Underwear" was worn underneath along with very heavy wool socks. There would also be another issue of larger size flight suit and boots to be worn over the entire ensemble. The hood was inflated for insulation but was not waterproof so the hands and head had to endure some discomfort but the "poopy suit" worked well in the water but could also be quite effective on land. PM me if you decide to part with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agate hunter Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted May 17, 2013 Thanks for the quick reply. So would this have been worn by all pilots incase of a water landing? And that makes sense about custom cutting the neck and wrist areas looks near impossible or anyone's head to fit through the neck part right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rr01 Posted May 17, 2013 Share #10 Posted May 17, 2013 Thanks for the quick reply. So would this have been worn by all pilots incase of a water landing? And that makes sense about custom cutting the neck and wrist areas looks near impossible or anyone's head to fit through the neck part right now. Yes. My Father did one of the earliest trans Atlantic F~84 deployments to Europe in 1950 and he swore by the "poopy suit" when one of his guys was lost enroute after ejection because he DIDN'T wear one. I have spent hours in the waters around Iceland with a similar type and never concerned myself with the exposure. Conversely, I made a dive and underwater swim wearing a wetsuit with no hood in the same waters and thought I would die. Not from exposure but from the unbelievabley cold water on my old noggin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undertoker Posted May 23, 2013 Share #11 Posted May 23, 2013 Just had to say what a great suit and a great couple of comments, I've never seen a poppy suit before myself. Very interesting guys Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juvatwad Posted May 25, 2013 Share #12 Posted May 25, 2013 Thanks for the quick reply. So would this have been worn by all pilots incase of a water landing? And that makes sense about custom cutting the neck and wrist areas looks near impossible or anyone's head to fit through the neck part right now. Specifically, they are worn when water temps are below 60 deg. They also suck. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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