Originally Posted by
Ancient Squipper
The Mk 1 helmet did not have an adjustable harness. It came in 14 different sizes and fitting was by trial and error. The helmet being a snug fit over the cloth 'G' helmet if it was too tight the wearer could end with an excruciating headache.
Well thats what aircrew useally told me.
However the medics told us it had to be tight if it was to work
.
It was not unknown for the new recruit to wear the helmet in bed to break it in
In 1965 there was a trial of a new lightweight and ventilated helmet to try and overcome V-force resistance. It was like a pudding basin or the old style motorbike helmets. It was painted white, had ventilation holes and IIRC a leather edging for the chin strap. It was very popular and assessed as useless.
One AEO selected for the trial refused to hand his back.