Last time, I introduced the naval flight preparatory trainees of the Kasumigaura Naval Air Corps, but this time I would like to pay attention to the flight helmets of the instructors.
Use: Training Aircraft
Manufacturer: Kawanishi Aircraft
Operator: Flag of the Empire of Japan, Empire of Japan (Navy)
Number of aircraft produced: 5,770
Production started: 1934 (Showa 9)
Retired: 1947 (Indonesian Air Force)
Operational status: Decommissioned
Type 93 Intermediate Trainer Aircraft (K5Y)
(Allied code name: Willow) is a training aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
It was also known as the "Red Dragonfly" because Japanese training planes were painted orange to make them stand out, and this plane is one of the most representative of such planes.
The student sits in the front seat and the instructor in the back seat.
Now let's look at the flight helmets of the instructors.
IJN Early Type 1 Winter Flight Helmet
Without piping around the rim
With piping around the rim
The Flight Helmets in the photos are exact reproductions. They accurately reflect the level of craftsmanship put into these beautiful pieces of flying gear.
The Early-Type shows a reinforced Seam, most of the way around the outer edge of the Helmet. With this type, the Rabbit Fur does not protrude beyond the edge. Note that matching Rabbit Fur can also be seen on the Chin Strap.
Later, the Seam, around the edge of the Helmet was not reinforced. Notice that there is no stitching at the edge. The Rabbit Fur on this type protrudes from the edge of the Helmet. This one also has a matching Rabbit Fur Chin Strap.
The Chin Strap Buckles are also shown to be wrapped in Leather on both of these types.
Enlarged image
Original（Takashimaya Co.）
The fine handcraftsmanship of the early days can be seen in this product.
Original（Takashimaya Co.）
We show you some reproductions.
The pattern of Flight Helmet, worn by a pilot, was one way to tell his length of service. As the war years rolled on, seeing a pilot wearing these older types of Flight Helmets would instantly identify him as an older, veteran pilot.
One more type of flight helmet worn by instructors must be introduced.
We will see you next time.
※About ordering※
We manufacture the flight helmets, oxygen masks, receivers, etc. shown in the blog. Please contact us for production orders, film-related orders, etc.
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