Original U.S. WWII USAAF Complete M1 Flak Vest with M5 Leg & Groin Armor for Seated Personnel
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Original Item: Only One Available. During WW2 in the US Army Air Corps, bomber crews often returned from missions over NSDAP-occupied Europe reporting extremely dense flak, each burst spraying the aircraft with hot shrapnel. Following the experience of the Royal Air Force, the Air Corps began issuing flak jackets to aircrews in 1942. These early flak jackets were heavy, consisting of steel plates sown into multi-layered nylon that would catch low velocity fragments. An apron panel was added to increase the protected areas. The vest and apron design was supplemented by a helmet to complete the protection. The heavy protection vest had a pull tab to dump it quickly if the plane ditched in the water or the crew had to bail out.
As the war progressed, more specialized flak armor was developed for the Bomber Crews, with specific sets designed for the Waist Gunners, Ball Turret Gunners, and for Seated Personnel such as the pilots, copilots, bombardiers, and navigators.
This set is intended for seated personnel, and consists of the following:
- Genuine very good condition complete USAAF Armor, Flyer's Vest, Front Piece, M1 & M2 manufactured by Fox Chase Knitting Mills Inc. complete with data label.
- Genuine very good condition complete USAAF Armor, Flyer's Vest, Back Piece, M1 manufactured by Fox Chase Knitting Mills Inc. complete with data label.
- Genuine very good condition complete USAAF Armor, Flyer's Groin, M5 W/Support manufactured by The Artistic Furniture Co, complete with data label.
Weighing 32lbs total, this was definitely a significant bit of weight added to the Pilot, but the protection was worth it. Condition is very good, with the expected wear and stain from usage. The snaps all look to function, thought one of the quick release straps from the central release has unfortunately torn through due to oxidation.
All in all a very hard to find set offered in very good complete condition. Ready to display, or even wear!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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