Original Eastern Bloc Cold War Era Helicopter Pilot Helmet With Throat Mic, Comms and Carry Bag Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. In the early days of aviation leather helmets that were used in motor racing were adopted by pilots as a form of head protection. It was during World War 1 that British engineers added earphones as well as a throat microphone to make a “hands-free” way for pilots to communicate. The early design for leather flying helmets was adapted during the 1930s and it was known as the Iconic type B helmet which had the ability to attach radio earphones, oxygen masks, and removable goggles to protect pilots from the outside elements.

By World War 2, they developed better oxygen masks due to people flying higher and being subjected to thinner air regularly. After World War 2 the leather headpiece was replaced with a harder helmet. As well as goggles were replaced by a more functional visor that was incorporated into the helmet as well as tinted to protect against the sun and other lighting. Moving into current day headgear they usually include communications equipment that lets pilots communicate with ground operations as well as their crew. Now as we move further and further into the future and as our technology advances, flight helmets are continuously looking for ways to advance.

This helmet is a rather difficult one to tie to a certain country, as this model helmet was used by various European and Eastern Bloc countries during the Cold War. We believe this one to be a Czech used helmet, but due to lack of marking and stamps, it makes it near impossible to identify.

The helmet appears complete and in good condition with the inner comms headset still present, the leather covered throat mic and the chin strap. There is no signs of use or wear but there are scuff marks on the outside of the helmet from storage. The storage bag is in excellent condition and is without any damage.

This is a wonderful example of a pilot’s helmet that comes more than ready for further research and display.