Making a 1954 P3 Flight Helmet Operational

[Saville]

In another thread I'm going through the steps, discovery, re-evaluation, and final steps of making a WWII A-11 Leather flying helmet operational. That project is just about done.

I thought I might post the final result of a project I did 2 years ago in making a just-post Korean War era (1954) P3 flight helmet operational.

You can buy the parts including shell, suspension web, oxygen mask tabs and hooks, nape strap, edge roll, chin strap, connector boot and other assorted components online.

I used an Oregon Aero Hush kit but bought the thicker version than the one I'm using on the A-11, and I used the Oregon Aero wire loom. You can also buy Oregon Aero cushions to fit inside the helmet between the suspension and the helmet shell.

I stripped the helmet, sanded, primed and painted it, installed the electronics.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/saville140/P3Modernization2.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/saville140/media/P3Modernization2.jpg.html)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/saville140/P3Modernization1.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/saville140/media/P3Modernization1.jpg.html)

This helmet is operational and I use it when I fly acro or formation.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/saville140/LookingForFockeWulfs_1.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/saville140/media/LookingForFockeWulfs_1.jpg.html)

In the future, I may be refurbishing another helmet (P-4 I believe) for my girl to wear and if I do, I'll be posting the process in this forum.