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| Occasionally flight gear is designed around
an aircraft. So is the case with the HGU-9/P designed for the B-58
Hustler of the 1950s era. The B-58 had escape pods instead of regular
ejection seats. The HGU-9/P was specifically designed for those
pods. The B-58 grouping includes: the HGU-9/P, specific for the
aircraft; M-1944 goggles with gold lens for nuclear flash protection;
and the early MBU-5/P oxygen mask with MC-3A connector. The goggles
are held on by snaps, very similar to how an HGU-55/P visor is held
on. The front of the helmet has a series of snaps to accept a plastic
bill, the same as the HGU-7/P (FAC helmet, Vietnam). The oxygen
mask is attached via straight bayonet receivers. Note the mask utilizes
single strap bayonets. The inside of the helmet is covered in a
soft, comfortable satin. Most bomber crews flew long missions to
target, comfort was very important in order to keep the mind on
task. |
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