ABSTRACT
The flight helmet is probably the most technologically sophisticated aspect of a fast jet pilot’s life support equipment. The helmet has evolved considerably from its earliest versions, when it was often made out of leather and also often adopted from various sports. Additionally, the helmet-mounted equipment should not create adverse torsional or rotational accelerations on the head and neck of the pilot due to the mass of the equipment and/or its location relative to the centre of gravity of the head-helmet complex. The fast jet pilot must wear specific equipment for self-protection in the aircraft. This equipment usually consists of the flight suit, a flight helmet, an oxygen mask, a G-suit, and a survival vest. Several extended coverage G-suit systems are used in combination with pressure breathing for G protection. A key element of this system is the use of a chest counterpressure garment.
