EFA High Altitude Flight Helmet - France
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:91577 | Modified Item: No |
| Type: Flight Helmet | Country/Region of Manufacture: France |
This is an unused French High Altitude Flight Helmet manufactured by EFA company for the French Air Force during the early 1960’s.
It was used on Mirage 3 CZ’s during the time when missile systems were unlikely to down an aircraft at Altitudes above 50 000 ft.
This Helmet and equipment accompanied the South African Air Force’s purchase of Mirage aircraft in 1963.
I also have the green pressure suit and the white leather outer overall which I will be selling soon.
...On Jun-19-19 at 06:27:26 PDT, seller added the following information:This is a EFA type 21/23 high altitude helmet circa 1963/1965. It’s without the neck ring which attaches the pressure suit to the helmet.
These helmets were all one size - the pilot adjusted the inside of the helmet for a snug fit via a metal knob on the left rear of the helmet ( see the image on the listing ) The earpieces and interior moved on a wire cable system on the inside ( see the image of the interior ).On Jun-21-19 at 03:02:24 PDT, seller added the following information:I did some research and read an article about the period during which high altitude operations were done - this flying equipment was designed for use by Mirage 3 interceptor pilots to counter the high altitude threat of the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War in the 1960’s.
On a scramble after take off under radar vectors the pilot would climb to 37 000 feet engage afterburner and accelerate to Mach 2 then pitch up and zoom climb to 71 000 feet plus launch his Matra missile at the enemy bomber after radar lock on or visual contact, then roll over and plunge to join an approach for landing at home base.
The suit and helmet were designed to protect the pilot in a hostile environment against solar radiation and minimal pressure especially after an ejection if he encountered an emergency and had to abandon his aircraft.
It was used on Mirage 3 CZ’s during the time when missile systems were unlikely to down an aircraft at Altitudes above 50 000 ft.
This Helmet and equipment accompanied the South African Air Force’s purchase of Mirage aircraft in 1963.
I also have the green pressure suit and the white leather outer overall which I will be selling soon.
...On Jun-19-19 at 06:27:26 PDT, seller added the following information:This is a EFA type 21/23 high altitude helmet circa 1963/1965. It’s without the neck ring which attaches the pressure suit to the helmet.
These helmets were all one size - the pilot adjusted the inside of the helmet for a snug fit via a metal knob on the left rear of the helmet ( see the image on the listing ) The earpieces and interior moved on a wire cable system on the inside ( see the image of the interior ).On Jun-21-19 at 03:02:24 PDT, seller added the following information:I did some research and read an article about the period during which high altitude operations were done - this flying equipment was designed for use by Mirage 3 interceptor pilots to counter the high altitude threat of the Soviet Air Force during the Cold War in the 1960’s.
On a scramble after take off under radar vectors the pilot would climb to 37 000 feet engage afterburner and accelerate to Mach 2 then pitch up and zoom climb to 71 000 feet plus launch his Matra missile at the enemy bomber after radar lock on or visual contact, then roll over and plunge to join an approach for landing at home base.
The suit and helmet were designed to protect the pilot in a hostile environment against solar radiation and minimal pressure especially after an ejection if he encountered an emergency and had to abandon his aircraft.
