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Helmet of a Tactical Aircraft Refueller

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, X004-1088

This close-fitting helmet enables the wearing of ear defenders, essential during tactical refuelling which involves keeping an aircraft's engines running.

Domed hard protective helmet with tinted ski goggles and headphones, © RAF Museum

Control Column Grip

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 1987/1430/A

Spade shaped control column tops were a common feature of British aircraft designs from the 1920s right through to the 1950s.

Semi-circular leather handle with metal lower half and two levers, © RAF Museum

Flying Belt Release Buckle

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 1993/0249/A

A Sutton harness, or Harness Type A as it was officially known by the RAF, was the standard way of securing a pilot to their seat up until the 1950s. It consisted of four canvas straps with large metal eyelets through which this buckle was passed.

Triangular metal frame with pin securing a metal cylinder, © RAF Museum

Full and Mess Dress Cap of an Officer

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 67/U/255

Although it was replaced by the Full Dress helmet in 1921, this style of cap was retained for mess dress until 1934 when the standard officer's cap was substituted in its place.

Blue grey fabric cap with black leather peak, cloth band and strap, with crown, eagle and palm leaf badge, © RAF Museum

Aircrew Helmet Mark 3A

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 1992/0180/U

The Mk 3A and 3B helmets used the helmet shell of the Mk 2 and the visor track of the Mk 1A. They were originally supposed to be worn on aircraft without ejection seats but this restriction appears to have been overturned or widely ignored.

White hard-shell protective helmet with eye visor inside black fabric cover, © RAF Museum

Full Dress Helmet of an Officer

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 71/U/1185

Worn on ceremonial occasions, the Full Dress helmet was expensive, uncomfortable to wear and likened by some to a baboon's bottom. The end of its use, in 1939, was welcomed by many officers.

Black hard helmet with fur surround and spiked feather plume, badge and gold cord at front, © RAF Museum

Field Service Cap of Other Ranks

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 70/U/1244

A major change to the Other Ranks uniform took place in 1936. Shirts, ties and open necked jackets replaced tunics that closed to the neck.

Blue grey fabric cap with green and navy square-checked band with metal buttons and badge, © RAF Museum

Railway Ticket, RAF Henlow

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 84/C/723

Many RAF stations had, and still do have, attendant railway stations offering a connection to the wider world.

Square cardboard railway ticket, © RAF Museum

Douglas Protractor

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 70/I/458

This square protractor has its origins in marine navigation but has proved equally useful for use with aeronautical charts as nautical ones.

Square of card marked with grid and accompanying brown envelope, © RAF Museum

Flying Helmet Type B

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 77/U/636

Similar in shape to the 1930 Pattern flying helmet, the most recognisable feature of the Type B was the large zipped covers housing the telephone receivers.

Soft brown leather helmet with chinstrap and large leather headphone domes over ears, © RAF Museum