Full Description
The beginning of World War I saw thousands of army and navy aviators who needed specialized clothing that could not be purchased off-the-shelf. During World War II pilots and crews flew countless missions in extreme conditions, from the Arctic to the South Pacific. Through both wars, providing suitable clothing to personnel aboard many different types of aircraft proved a monumental task. This book documents the development, testing, manufacture, procurement and utilization of flying apparel and accessories worn by American airmen around the world between 1917 and 1945. Among the garments explored are various types of flight suits--including heavy winter shearling suits and electrically heated suits--flight jackets, flotation gear, headgear, handwear and footwear. With appendices that include contemporary brochures detailing the care and maintenance of flight clothing, this study provides a thorough exploration of a rarely examined aspect of military history.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Problems in the Development of Flying Clothing
2. The Manufacture and Supply of Flying Clothing
3. Research and Testing of Flying Clothing
4. Heavy Winter Shearling Flying Suits
5. Electrically Heated Flying Suits
6. Other Types of Flying Suits
7. Other Items of Body Clothing
8. Headgear
9. Handwear
10. Footwear
Appendices
A. "Program of the Personal Equipment Laboratory," The Personal Equipment Officer 2, no. 2 (c. 1946), p. 1.
B. "Kit, Clothing and Equipment, Flyer," Technical Order no. 00-30-41, Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1942.
C. "Kit, Flyer's Clothing and Equipment," Technical Order no. 00-30-41, Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., October 20, 1945.
D. "Clothing—Refinishing Sheep Shearling Type Flying Clothing," Technical Order no. 13-1-10, Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., October 16, 1943.
E. "Preliminary Tests on Durability of Flying Clothing" Memorandum Report no. ENG-49-695-2S, Aero Medical Laboratory, Materiel Command, Wright Field, Ohio, April 12, 1944.
F. Type Designation Sheets, Wright Field, Ohio, 1920s through World War II.
G. The Preservation of Vintage Flying Clothing and Accessories.
Abbreviations
Notes
Bibliography
Index
