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 Post subject: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 16 May 2018, 17:27 
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I'm busy researching all flight gear used by the SAAF since 1946 for a book, such as helmets, masks, flight suits, life preservers, survival vests, shoes, gloves, etc.

However, I also have a very small collection which I'm trying to build up.

Thread on my other SAAF flight gear is at SAAF flight gear

Herewith early SAAF helmets:

We'll start with the British Helmet Mk1 (no visor). It was used in conjunction with the inner liner Type G (with earphones) and Type H oxygen mask.
Image

Next up is the Helmet Mk1A (M) (With visor). Earlier Mk1s without visor were upgraded to this standard.
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Initial Buccaneer pilots used the Helmet MkII, which I'd love to acquire. :wink:

The Helmet MkIIIA (with throat mike) was used by Flight Engineers for rescue work.
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Helmet MkIIIB with Q2A oxygen mask:
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Leather flying helmet With Gosport Tubes (circa 1939), used by Capt. Theo Purchase to train SAAF pilots on the Hawker Fury and Hart prior to flying Marauders in North Africa:
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Leather helmet with RAF Mk VIII goggle replica and Impala MkII Helmet MkIIIB:
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I've just acquired a Gueneau 316 helmet with boom mike, but it is missing the visors and visor mechanism. In the process of attempting to purchase spares from France.

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 17 May 2018, 07:48 
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Very Nice Dean..I am sure if those helmets could speak what stories they could tell us,History is everywhere,thanks for sharing.

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 20 May 2018, 17:52 
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Very nice Dean! :smt023


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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 21 May 2018, 16:38 
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Thanks all.

Not a SAAF helmet, but arrived today in the post. :D

A Brazilian helmet with MBU-12/P oxygen mask, apparently found in the cockpit of a non-airworthy MiG in Angola:

Image

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 22 May 2018, 20:49 
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Nice, collect *all* the helmets! :smt023

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 05 Jul 2018, 12:48 
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Early Gueneau 317 helmet used by chopper pilots. The mike may not be accurate.
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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 20 Jul 2018, 16:00 
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A surprise package arrived this afternoon: A South African manufactured Lafe helicopter helmet shell!

It is missing the visors, visor cover, headset and mike, but still pretty rare. :D

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 22 Jul 2018, 22:05 
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Wasn't aware that SA manufactured our own helmets? What aircraft type would it have been used in?

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 23 Jul 2018, 07:40 
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Cheetah C (two versions) and Oryx.

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 10 Aug 2018, 14:45 
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Have not seen any Lafe helmets on the market, now I've just purchased a prime specimen!

It is actually a Lafe helmet shell as used on the Cheetah C with dual visor cover, thus has the mountings for an oxygen mask, but is also molded to take a NVG and has had a boom mike attached for helicopter ops.

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 10 Aug 2018, 15:22 
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Nice collection Dean. Where on earth do you find these helmets?


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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 10 Aug 2018, 16:31 
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Just happen to stumble across Facebook pages or ads selling militaria and approaching them if they have any other items of interest.

Also been lucky enough for persons to contact me after seeing my posts. :wink: :smt023

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 13 Aug 2018, 05:54 
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Dean wrote:
Just happen to stumble across Facebook pages or ads selling militaria and approaching them if they have any other items of interest.

Also been lucky enough for persons to contact me after seeing my posts. :wink: :smt023


Nice one!


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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 23 Aug 2018, 16:53 
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Impala pilot of 4 Squadron, early 1970s: Helmet Mk1A (M) and Type G inner liner with P1B mask and green flightsuit, manufactured by HJ Henochberg.

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Image

Not me as model!

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 Post subject: Re: SAAF helmets
PostPosted: 23 Aug 2018, 16:57 
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The current helicopter helmet in the SAAF, besides the Rooivalk: The Alpha 220.

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