Original U.S. 1950s Navy Fighter Squadron 92 High Altitude Full Pressure MK IV MOD. 1 Flight Helmet & Mark IV MOD. 2 Pressure Suit with Detachable Gloves, Life Preserver and Helmet Transit Case - NASA Mercury Program
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. A nearly identical example of this MKIV High Altitude helmet can be found in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum at this link: USN Mark IV Helmet. A nearly identical example of this Mark IV Pressure Suit can be found in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum at this link: USN Mark IV Pressure Suit.
This is an excellent set, only the second complete set we have ever offered, consisting of a very rare U.S. Navy Mk IV, Mod 1 Helmet and an even more rare Mark IV Mod 2 Type 1A Pressure Suit. This is much better than the last set we had, as the suit is in much better condition, and it even retains the two zippable gloves and a USN life vest. Almost all pieces are named to a LaFavor serving in VF-92 or Fighter Squadron 92, during the 1960s and 1970s.
The MK IV Mod 2 is undoubtedly one of the absolute hardest examples of the U.S. Military Flight Headgear to locate, with very few having been made, and even less surviving to today. These helmets seldom come to market, with most being retained in museums and private collections. We have had the opportunity to offer very few of these helmets in the past, however, this is the first complete helmet and suit set we have ever had the pleasure of offering.
This Helmet is dated “10-60” (October 1960) and was manufactured by the B. F. Goodrich Company. These Helmets, along with the corresponding suit, were later used as the basis of NASA’s original Earth-Oribital Suit used during the Mercury Program. In fact, the original Mercury Program Prototype Suits were reworked MKIV Suits reworked to meet the needs of the space program!
The helmet retains the adjustable sun visor on the exterior of the helmet. The clear visor is also retained and when it is lowered and locked in place, it pneumatically seals. Both visors are uncracked and in great shape. The US Navy decal is retained as well as the original earphones (marked “H-143/AIC / ROANWELL CORP”). The circular crown padding at the top of the interior suspension reads as follows:
2287
HEADPIECE, MK IV MOD 1,
FULL PRESSURE SUIT
TYPE I
STOCK No. RH8475-521-6082-SIRS
MFG’D BY THE B.F. GOODRICH CO.
DATE MFG’D 10-60
CONTRACT NO. N383(17-MIS) 64733A
U.S. NAVY
The reverse exterior of the Helmet features a B.F. Goodrich logo decal, and below a “USN” Decal. The electrical cord coming from the back of the helmet is still retained, marked A.R.D.C. P/N 12040 among other markings.
The interior of the helmet has some of the earphone material crumbling inside, which happens often with these. The visor is mostly intact, but there is an unfortunate crack in the bottom right portion, though this is not very noticeable.
The Mk IV Pressure Suit is in very fine condition, and the primary zipper still moves with pressure, without any serious oxidation. However, much of the interior material shows heavy stiffening, especially the arms. This means the suit won’t likely be able to be on a mannequin, but it still has very much display potential hanging on its own with the helmet attached. We were able to attach the helmet for the most part, but due to the age of the rubber washer around its length, it is now a bit expanded and we couldn’t get the helmet 100% locked into place. However it is still in place and should look great for display.
Much of the suit is stiff, and the insignia including the USN lettering on the chest and arm, and the Navy wings on the other arm, show heavy fraying and wear to the embroidery. The arms are in fair condition, now very stiff. The leg retains the pressure gauge, a very cool detail, and the suit retains its harness.
Despite minor oxidation of the zippers, we were able to get the gloves attached and at least partially zipped onto the suit, so they will be attachable for display! The leather of the gloves has aged well and is still pliable. Both gloves are named to LaFavor. Both gloves retain the same data label inside:
SUIT, HIGH ALTITUDE, FULL PRESSURE,,
MK IV
UNIT: GLOVE SIZE: MED LONG
TYPE: MK IV MOD 1 TYPE 1
THE B.F. GOODRICH CO., AKRON, OHIO
CONTRACT NO. N383-75414A
DATE OF MFG. 5-62
SPECIFICATION: MIL-S-21395-A (WEP)
U.S. NAVY 2000A
The suit retains the original label inside, very hard to reach:
SUIT, HIGH ALTITUDE, FULL PRESSURE, MK IV
UNIT: TORSO SIZE: MEDIUM-LARGE LONG
TYPE: MK IV MOD 2 TYPE 1A
PRIME CONTR.: THE B.F. GOODRICH CO., AKRON, OHIO
CONTRACT NO. N383 (17-MIS) 64733A
MFG BY THE B.F. GOODRICH CO.
WATERTOWN, MASS
DATE OF MFR. 10-60
SPECIFICATION: MIL-S-21395A (WEP)
U.S. NAVY
This date matches the date on the helmet, and as both the suit and helmet are named to LaFavor, we are excited to offer this as a matching complete set!
The helmet retains its original scarce transit case, which the helmet locks into. The case has heavy cracking to one side which has tape on the other side to repair it. The case has four latches which close to allow the case to be carried from the handle at the top. The case has a U.S. Naval aviator wing decal on the side. There is also a piece of tape reading VF 92 on the top, and on the sides reading 2287 / LEFAVOUR. We are unsure what the proper spelling of his name is, given that it’s spelled two different ways here. The case is roughly 12” tall and 13” in diameter.
Fighter Squadron 92, or VF-92 Silver Kings was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established as VF-92 on 26 March 1952, it was redesignated VF-54 on 1 June 1962, redesignated VF-92 on 15 October 1963, it was disestablished on 12 December 1975. It was the third US Navy squadron to be designated VF-92.
The included Navy Mark IV Life preserver is in great overall condition though it is missing the whistle and flashlight. It is difficult enough to find these on their own, but to find one with the complete suit is a true feat!
There is still more research to be done on the owner of this set, but it is still an extravagant offering, the first complete and matching set we have offered!
Ready to become the centerpiece of your collection!
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