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This is an example of a Type LKpS101 light weight summer or warm environment flying helmet issued to pilots and aircrews of the German Luftwaffe during World War II. It was also adopted by units of the Regia Aeronautica flying German aircraft types.

This helmet was worn by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear Manufacturer Siemens Apparate und Maschinen G.m.b.H.
 Physical Description Luftwaffe Type LKpS101Summer weight flying helmet used by the Regia Aeronautica; field gray linen exterior shell with polished field gray synthetic saten lining; molded brown leather exterior earphone covers; yellow hand painted Flight Lieutenant rank insignia on left earphone cover; brown leather buckle adjustable chin strap with chamois lining; brass hooks for oxygen mask below each earphone cover; shearling padding on inside of earphone; two leather straps with snaps to hold flying goggle's strap on the rear of the helmet; olive green vertical adjusting strap in the center rear of the helmet; leather covered throat microphone attached to the rear nape of the helmet with black rubber insulated patch cord with plug; white cotton manufacturer’s tag with embroidered black letter text sewn on inside of the helmet (see inscriptions for full text). Dimensions Overall: 47.6 x 27.9 x 29.2cm (18 3/4 x 11 x 11 1/2 in.)
Other (Patch Cord): 125.7cm (49 1/2 in.)
 Materials Linen
Synthetic Fabric
Leather
Steel
Copper
Rubber (Silicone)
Plastic
Copper
Lead
Chrome
Wool
Paint
Adhesive
Overall: Linen
 Inventory Number A20110376000 Credit Line Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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