The B-5, was standardised on May 2nd 1933 and was made from a 1/4 inch fleece depth, veg tanned sheepskin. It was standard issue to all U.S.A.A.F. airmen and although superseded by the B-6 in late '41, it was still being issued until late '44. It was used extensively in the E.T.O. At the point of issue, the B-5 came without earcups, as these were only required if the wearer was to be using electronic RT - they housed the earphone receivers. All combat aircraft during WWII used Radio Transmission to communicate, so these earcups had to be added at some later point if the wearer was appointed to combat flight status. This was usually done at the first airbase of posting. This is why we see B-5s both with and without earcups. Although originals can be found with the later sprayed dyed, dark brown finish, most were made in the earlier, hand dyed, 'Redskin' method. Once again, we pioneer the market of the reproduction flying gear scene, by offering for the first time, a reproduction of this distinctive design. Made from our 1/4 inch, veg tanned, hand dyed sheepskin, our B-5 is accurate to the last detail: Black powder coated buckles, sheepskin lined chincup, braided Cotton laces, it even comes with the correct pressed leather earcups, so you wont need to get them sewn on by the Quartermaster when you reach the base! Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Please<a href='http://www.eastmanleather.com/images/B-5.jpg'> CLICK HERE</a> to display a larger image of this product. To return to this page please click the BACK button in your browser.

USAAF Rough Wear Type B-5, Contract 17756

Winter Shearling Flight Helmet

The B-5, was standardised on May 2nd 1933 and was made from a 1/4 inch fleece depth, veg tanned sheepskin. It was standard issue to all U.S.A.A.F. airmen and although superseded by the B-6 in late '41, it was still being issued until late '44. It was used extensively in the E.T.O.

At the point of issue, the B-5 came without earcups, as these were only required if the wearer was to be using electronic RT - they housed the earphone receivers.

All combat aircraft during WWII used Radio Transmission to communicate, so these earcups had to be added at some later point if the wearer was appointed to combat flight status. This was usually done at the first airbase of posting. This is why we see B-5s both with and without earcups.

Although originals can be found with the later sprayed dyed, dark brown finish, most were made in the earlier, hand dyed, 'Redskin' method.

Once again, we pioneer the market of the reproduction flying gear scene, by offering for the first time, a reproduction of this distinctive design.

Made from our 1/4 inch, veg tanned, hand dyed sheepskin, our B-5 is accurate to the last detail: Black powder coated buckles, sheepskin lined chincup, braided Cotton laces, it even comes with the correct pressed leather earcups, so you wont need to get them sewn on by the Quartermaster when you reach the base!

Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Please CLICK HERE to display a larger image of this product. To return to this page please click the BACK button in your browser.