USAF 1950s SAC B - 58 NACA X - 1E TEST PILOT MC - 1 HIGH ALTITUDE FLIGHT SUIT Vtg RARE
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:199123 |
The massive buildup of the US Air Force Strategic Air Command in the early post-war era included the development of new long range, high altitude nuclear bombers capable of striking the Soviet Union at a moment’s notice. The B-58 Hustler was a delta wing Mach 2 nuclear bomber, extremely advanced for its time, and capable of altitudes up to 60, 000 feet. B-58 pilots and air crewmen were issued the specially designed MC-1 high altitude "partial pressure" flight suit, which exhibite...d a myriad of hoses, bladders, and laces to prevent their blood from boiling due to the lack of survivable air pressure. The MC-1 was produced by the Berger Brothers Company and the famous David Clark Company, the latter of whom was one of the nation’s leaders in high altitude flight wear. The MC-1 was the most sophisticated partial pressure suit of its time, and was also worn by National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) test pilots flying the X-1E, the last iteration of the legendary Bell X-1 series of experimental aircraft. This USAF 1950s SAC B-58 NACA X-1E TEST PILOT MC-1 HIGH ALTITUDE FLIGHT SUIT is in very good condition, with some light spot fraying at the top left neck, moderate drying and cracking to most of the rubber seals around the ends of the air hoses, some loosening to some of the lacing, and with some scattered "browning" and age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the suit is in fine shape, with no other damage to the tough sage nylon construction. Most interestingly, it's a Size Small Short, features a multitude of hoses, bladders, and laces throughout, and bears the classic "COVERALLS, HIGH ALTITUDE TYPE MC-1 / DAVID CLARK COMPANY INCORPORATED" USAF nomenclature label at the inside neck. It sports fully functional "TALON" darkened brass zippers with sage nylon pulls at the shoulders, fly, back, cuffs, and ankles, boasts a small brass snap hook attached to a cross strap at the upper back, and dates to ca. 1955-1958. A fine example of a very rare, original USAF 1950s SAC B-58 NACA X-1E TEST PILOT MC-1 HIGH ALTITUDE FLIGHT SUIT. We have shown a photo of the famous test pilot Joe Walker standing next to his X-1E nicknamed "Little Joe" wearing a very similar MC-1 high altitude flight suit. Now celebrating over 15 years on eBay. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military and aviation classics, including a US Air Force USAF Vietnam MWC PILOT GG-W-113 QUARTZ WRIST WATCH in MINT, unworn, new in the box condition, sporting a crisp 12/24 hour (outer/inner) black dial, and featuring the classic sweeping seconds hand with hacking function.Abramsantiques appreciates your positive feedback and full five star ratings. We strive to make every transaction an exceptional one, and your complete satisfaction is our utmost concern. If for any reason you cannot leave fully positive feedback, contact us first and we will make it right.
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