I agree that the suits were special to this aircraft, indeed the arm restrains would have a similar function to the leg restrains during ejection, the suits themselves were probably not designed for high altitude flight as the test program had not reached that stage prior to cancellation.
The first foray into altitude would have involved the Taylor partial pressure helmet and then for sustained high altitude work then I feel a more substantial suit would have been designed, much akin to the U-2 style flight gear.
No doubt they would have used pressure trousers for high ‘g’ loads but again would there have been call for anything more at the time as the test program was not yet in full swing?.
Could these suits have been standard kit but with mods to incorporate the special straps and restraints for the ejection seat?
All very interesting stuff!
John.
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