The aviator flight suit has evolved just as modern aircraft has over time. At first mention of the early aviator uniform, one might picture an image likened to the Flying Ace in full gearfeatured on the Red Baron Pizza box. The costume may consist of full-length, baggy trousers complete with a bomber jacket with awhite woolen trim, a leather helmet, and a red scarf wrapped around his neck. However, this only a somewhat accurate representation of a flight suit.
The first airplanes were open to the environment and flew at low altitudes. Therefore,
pilots took it upon themselves to have proper protectionfrom the atmosphere. For example, an aviator might wear a pair of goggles and a leather jacket. As the advancement of planes emerged, and their motors became more powerful, so did their capacity to fly at higher elevations, in addition to faster speeds.These new advances in aviation posed a greater threat to the US pilots because the co*ckpit was open without any protective covering. Pilots who flew during World War Ifound this to be a greathindrance and distraction while they carried out their mission. It is unfortunate that they were exposed to the elements while in flight. Some of the flight suits during this time were a one-piece garment primarily made of thin material that did not keep pilots warm, nor did it protect them from the bitterly cold air while in flight. Some pilots opted to wear a two-piece set that consisted of overalls and a leather jacket. Back then, the military did not have a determined uniform for pilots. But according to the website Aerosociety.com, a new flight suit was inventedin 1917 known as the Sidcot Flying Suit No. 5. The US pilots raved about this new uniform because it kept them warm during their mission. This was revolutionaryat this time in history. The new flight suit had three layers: one made of fur, another layer was made from airproof silk,and the outer shell was a thin, light Burberry material. (1.3.1 – The Sidcot Suit) This suit remained an essential part of the pilot’s gear until World War II when the US pilots flew in enclosed co*ckpits.
During World War II, airplanes flew at altitudes of approximately 30,000 feet which meant that the co*ckpits were still cold even though they were enclosed. So, electrically heated flight suits were introduced, except they were bulky and restrictive. It wasn’t until pressurized cabins were on scene that the cabins were warmer which meant that bomber pilots could shed the bulky uniform in exchange for a formal uniform and a flight coat.
On the other hand, fighter pilots needed a suit that they could wear within the confines of the co*ckpit. The AN-S-31 flight suit played a significant role in the US Army Air Corps. Some of its key features are the two pockets that buttoned on each side of the chest, as well as a button-down shin pocket on each pantleg. Not long afterward, the US Navy adopted their flight suit. The only difference was that the pockets were slanted on the material instead of positioned straight across.
In the early 1960’s, Dupont invented the first ever flame-retardant flight suit made from an innovative Nomex material. The Nomex flight suit was initially developed for the US Navy; however, the Nomex flight suits were, and still are suitable for all branches of the military. The makers at Dupontstate that,
“We know that military personnel face a range of threat levels, so we offer materials that can be further processed to help optimize performance attributes including protection level, durability, comfort, and aesthetics. This allows military clothing… the ideal performance for the threat, either confined space (mounted) of dismounted, whether from a fuel fire or an IED or RFG explosion.”
Today, the Nomex flight suit is a one-piece uniform that is worn by pilots and crew alike in most branches of the military. It is not only an incredibly durable fabric,but most importantly, the aramid fibers that are in the Nomex material are fire-resistant. Making sure our military personnel are protected from danger is Carter’s primary goal. We at Carter NY take great pride in producing the Nomex flight suit and making it readily available to the men and women who serve our great country. When the soldiers wear our product, they know that they can fully concentrate on their mission and can rest assured that they are wearing a fire-resistantsuit from a company that has their safety in mind.
As with the unique history of American Aviation, the history of the Nomex Flight Suit is intriguing and continues to not only meet military expectations but supersedes them as well.
FAQs
Flight Suits History
The first concept for Flight Suits appeared during the First World War where heavier clothing was worn to protect Pilots from the cold. … In the 1920s, Flight Suits began incorporating oxygen masks and built-in thermal protection though they offered no protection against electrocution!
What is the history of the Sidcot flying suit? ›
The suit was worn by pilots in Britain's Royal Air Force during World War II. The suit is a redevelopment of the original Sidcot suit from World War I. The suit was first introduced in 1930 and was continually redeveloped until the suit was retired after the war.
Why did marines wear flight suits in Iraq? ›
Members of the United States Marine Corps wore flight suits during most vehicle patrols and ground combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, because their standard camouflage utilities were not flame-resistant.
What is a Nomex flight suit? ›
The most common military spec flight suits are made from a 4.5 oz / square yard plain weave fire resistant (FR) material commonly known as Nomex. Nomex is the branded name for an inherently FR Aramid/Para-Aramid/Conductive Fiber blended material. This material won't melt, drip, or support combustion.
Where did suits originally come from? ›
The inspiration for today's suits began at Royal Court in Britain, in an era when sumptuary regulations forbade commoners from donning "the royal purple", wearing good furs and flaunting embellishments made from satin and velvet. These types of finery were meant only for courtiers.
What is the history of wing suits? ›
A wingsuit was first used in the US in 1930 by a 19-year-old American, Rex G Finney of Los Angeles, California. The goal was to increase horizontal movement and maneuverability during a parachute jump. These early wingsuits used materials such as canvas, wood, silk, steel, and whalebone.
How much does a fly suit cost? ›
A good quality wingsuit typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
How long does a flight suit last? ›
A : From experience with our customers, provided a suit is looked after, our AIRWEAR® cotton suits will last up to four years of intense use. Fabric fading usually becomes then an issue. Kermel suits are incredibly fade resistant as the yarn is core dyed and will outlast any other suit.
Who invented the pressurized flight suit? ›
The first practical flight pressure suit was developed in 1934 by Wiley Post of global flight fame. B.F. Goodrich Company assisted in the development.
Why do fighter pilots not wear trousers? ›
The anti-G suit is a cutaway trouser-like garment containing air bladders over the abdomen, thighs, and calves. In accordance with the level of Gs on the aircraft, these bladders are pressurized by the anti-G valve, which admits compressed air into the bladders as necessary.
The string in the thigh pocket of a military pilot coverall is much of the time used to secure significant things like pens, electric lamps, or little devices, keeping them from dropping out during high-G moves or launches. It guarantees that fundamental things are effectively available and secure during flight tasks.
Why are flight suits orange? ›
For a homeland air defense mission under the Aerospace Defense Command (ADC), orange was a helpful color for locating and rescuing a downed aircrew in the waters off the coasts or on land.
Why wear a flight suit? ›
These suits decrease the body's core temperature by keeping moisture out and regulating internal temperature—which is why it's so important for pilots to wear them in inhospitable environments.
Can you iron a Nomex flight suit? ›
If clothing made of Nomex® needs pressing or ironing, a steam or dry iron may be used at the medium setting . Commercially available ironing aids such as starch, ironing spray or wrinkle spray should not be used with items made of Nomex® if they are flammable .
Is Nomex better than Kevlar? ›
Though similar to Kevlar® for its high endurance to temperatures, Nomex® holds a specific advantage for its uses in different industries. While other synthetic fibers only offer heat resistance, Nomex® can endure both intense heat and direct flame without breaking down!
Why do they wear flight suits? ›
Military flight suits are a unique combination of fast-drying and odor-resistant fabrics with extreme tensile strength, flame resistance, and durability. Soldiers may experience all kinds of environmental conditions while serving, so they need physical gear that prepares them for anything.
Why did Navy SEALs wear flight suits? ›
During naval operations, Navy SEALs use Nomex fire-resistant flight suits: they are lightweight, durable and protect from temperatures up to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Since boarding a moving vessel is in itself risky, anti-shock protection is needed.
Why did people wear suits to fly? ›
During the golden age of commercial aviation, looking sharp was mandatory. Airlines strictly enforced dress codes. A man without a suit or at least a black corporate jacket could be turned away despite having paid good money for a seat on what was once considered a co*cktail party in the air.
Who created the jet suit? ›
Richard Browning is a British inventor and the creator of the Daedalus Flight Pack "jet suit". He is the founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries, his company that designs and builds the invention.
