Description

This book studies the history of the RAF’s pilot and aircrew kit, exploring how the personal equipment and flying gear issued to service personnel has changed over the last century. Innovations in kit and personal equipment have evolved to keep pace with the ever-improving technology and performance of aircraft, and as aircraft designs improved, so too did the kit used by pilots and crew. Many of these changes were driven by safety. As aircraft flew faster and higher, the pressure placed on pilots increased. Aircrew needed protection from the elements, high altitude and the effects of ‘g’.

Illustrating the development of RAF personal equipment, this informative new book features more than 100 full colour photographs of original and authentic replica kit as worn by RAF aircrew throughout history. The images include detailed studies of the kit in isolation, as well as images that place the kit in the correct historical context, featuring authentic aircraft of the period.