**SSK90 Luftwaffe pilot helmet**

[GOA_AveFenix506*VR*]

During WWII the Luftwaffe utilized no fewer then ten slightly different models of flight helmets with the main modifications being helmets issued for summer or winter wear and helmets with or without integral radio communication fittings. The assorted cloth and leather flight helmets provided to active flight crews by the Luftwaffe offered insufficient protection for head wounds caused by small caliber weapons and Flak shrapnel. As a result many aircrew personnel wore the standard M35 or M40 steel helmet over their cloth or leather flight helmets. As early as 1939 the OKL, Oberkommando des Luftwaffe, (High Command of the Air Force), had ordered development of a specific aircrew protective steel helmet and on May 8TH 1941 the SSK 90 protective steel flight helmets were introduced and issued to active aircrews and were intended for wear over the fabric or leather flight helmet. Curiously of the SSK90 helmets issued only half were equipped with the removable chin strap harness. The SSK 90 helmet proved to be quite unpopular amongst the troops and due to its heavy weight, (roughly 4.2 pounds), ungainly appearance and questionable protective qualities it was withdrawn from service on May 26TH 1941.

 

 

[SCG_Tzigy]

Wow. Had no idea.