Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Share #1 Posted October 18, 2014 When advance units of "The Mighty Eighth" began arriving in the United Kingdom initial equipment shortages were made good from RAF stocks. Thus, USAAF airmen were equipped with such things as Type "C" flying helmets, '41 pattern boots and gauntlets and also the subject of this thread...Mk VIII goggles. These items of RAF gear were well-made and very popular with American flyers, so much so that many opted to retain them, even when US-issued equivalents later became available. Thus, it was not uncommon to see mixed British/American flight gear as late as 1944. The Mk VIII goggles succeeded the Mk VIIs with their distinctive flip-up sun shield in '43. They were well made and are roughly comparable with US B7s in that they have hinged metal frames, a chamois-lined face cushion and an adjustable elastic strap.The faceted glass lenses are interchangeable with tinted versions being available. The goggles were issued in a box which also contained a pair of spare lenses and a tin of anti-dimming compound. As displayed here the goggles are seen in a hypothetical set-up with a B5 helmet, A-10 mask with "Juliet" harness and HS-18 headset (no comms provision in the B-5) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted October 18, 2014 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted October 18, 2014 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted October 18, 2014 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted October 18, 2014 As issued.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted October 18, 2014 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted October 18, 2014 ....and finally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted October 18, 2014 Same goggles with later A-11 helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted October 18, 2014 Share #9 Posted October 18, 2014 Classic set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #10 Posted October 18, 2014 Classic set up. Thanks Ron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted October 18, 2014 Share #11 Posted October 18, 2014 Great stuff Ian! I love all of it! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nack Posted October 18, 2014 Share #12 Posted October 18, 2014 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usaaf93 Posted October 18, 2014 Share #13 Posted October 18, 2014 Nice display. The A10 is just wonderful !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share #14 Posted October 18, 2014 Thank you gentlemen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted October 19, 2014 Share #15 Posted October 19, 2014 Saberjet, I love it when you present an aviation tutorial as it is very informative, and well presented. I have a very large room that is aviation related. While not at the top of my list, it is a very interesting subject. Thank you. Jack Angolia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted October 19, 2014 Saberjet, I love it when you present an aviation tutorial as it is very informative, and well presented. I have a very large room that is aviation related. While not at the top of my list, it is a very interesting subject. Thank you. Jack Angolia Coming from such a distinguished collector / author as yourself I'll take that as a compliment any day of the week. Thank you sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytiger Posted February 21, 2015 Share #17 Posted February 21, 2015 Nice indeed! MANY 8th and 9th AF fighter pilots seem to have preferred the RAF C Helmet and Mk Vlll Goggles. Fixing the AAF o2 mask to same was no problem. Your photos are excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViewfinderGyrene Posted February 21, 2015 Share #18 Posted February 21, 2015 Beautiful setup, Sabrejet. I like the A-10 with Juliet and the goggles most, pristine! The mask is one thing I haven't gotten lucky on yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now