The history behind the helmet (apparently) is that it was modified from a MK2A, the visor assembly being removed and replaced with a single central rail to take a single tinted visor.

The fibreglass shell of the Mk.2 and Mk.3 were identical so a conversion makes perfect sense.

The visor has no ‘cut-out’ for the oxy mask but this was not uncommon on fast jets and there is plenty of photographs to back this up, there is no boom mike attatchments and hooks are fitted for an oxy mask,

The visors mounted to helmets with central tracks were basically the same as the visor on the original Mk.1A helmet. They simply had a curved bottom edge so not having a ‘cut-out’ is no indication as to whether it was used with an oxy mask or not. As far as I know it wasn’t until the dual visor of the Mk.3C that there was a shaped lower edge with a central ‘cut-out’.

Interesting stuff.:)

John,

It was the P Type, but the helmet (in the 70’s) was the Mk2A, not the Mk3. Mk3 was for helicopters, and wasn’t issued with O2 clips. Also it had an unbroken lower curve on the visor, which wouldn’t allow it to lower fully around an O2 mask. The 2A also had the G lock on the visor for protection during banging out.

My 2A is still sitting in its carry box, amazing how heavy the darn thing is compared to my new Alpha Eagle 😀

Not quite that simple I’m afraid.

The Mk.2A was indeed introduced in the very early 70s but was fairly short-lived, soon being replaced by the Mk.3 which was in use from the early 70s right through to the early 90s.

There were three versions of the Mk.3 – the Mk.3A, B and C. The A and B were fitted with a single visor on a central rail (the same as the Mk.1A) and were available in various tints. The A wasn’t fitted with oxy hooks so was the one used by helicopter crews.

The Mk.3C had the dual clear/tinted visor system (hinged at the sides as still used on newer marks) and could be fitted with oxy mask hooks or boom mic as required. The intention being to use a standard basic helmet for all crews (rotary and fixed wing) modified with hooks or boom to suit.

I believe the Jet Age Museum had a Hurricane replica from the film. With the on-going problems they have with premises I don’t know if they still have it.

Anyone know?

As always with aircraft from this source paking the tiss I think.

Yup. Especially as he paid about thruppence ha’penny each for them.:rolleyes:

Hi,

Does any one have a copy of an illustrated parts schedule for a Martin Baker 2CA1 ejection seat as fitted to the Canberra. If so is there any chance of a photocopy or scan (any costs covered) so I can start a list of spares required for the beastie tucked away in the barn.

Kind regards,

Tim

PS Cannot believe the e-bay price for same!

I have a copy of “AP 109B-0107-3A, Illustrated Parts Catalogue, Type 2CA1/2 & 2CB” in PDF format.

PM me your address and I’ll send it on a CD for you.

Have also got a copy of “AP 108B-0107-1, Aircrew Equipment Assemblies, Type 2CA1 Mk.1 and 2, 2CA2 Mk.1, 2, 3 & 4” as well if it’ll be useful?

Off the top of my head I don’t know the specific differences between the two seats you mention but you will often find that seats of the same mark are basically similar in design. The differences are only usually minor variations in fittings etc. to make the basic seat applicable to the design of the cockpit in question.

For example, the emergency oxygen bottle may be mounted on one side of the seat for one aircraft, and on the other side for another depending on where the auto-activation connection is located in the cockpit. Another example might be that the height adjusting lever is straight on one, but cranked upwards slightly to clear side consoles or other cockpit fittings in another aircraft.

As a specific example the Mk.2E you mentioned is a Meteor seat and is basically identical to the Mk.2H of the Hunter apart from a slight variation in the depth of the head box.

I appreciate that doesn’t really answer the question but my point is that most of these seats do look very similar as you’ve said. In many cases they use standard components (and un-used mounting holes are to be found all over the place) so one type of seat can often be converted to another with the relevant fittings.

Whats the cockpit/object next to it behind the red box thing lol ??

Lightning F.3 XP703.