Pressure Suits

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S1030 Full Pressure Suit

Operational 1970. Upgraded SR-71 full pressure suit, link net with integrated subsystems. The S1030 evolved from its remote ancestor, the original David Clark XMC-2-DC suit first produced in 1956, via the Pilot’s Protective Assembly (PPA) model S901 worn by the first SR-71 crews. The S901 further evolved through several improved models and resulted in the S1030 suit, which was developed in the 1970s for SR-71 Blackbird operations.

S901J Full Pressure Suit

Operational 1962. A-12, YF-12A and SR-71 full pressure suit; integrated subsystems, parachute harness, automatic flotation system, urine collection device, redundant pressure control and breathing system, thermal protective garment. Custom fitted or in 12 standard sizes and various models.

Having evolved from its remote ancestor, the original David Clark XMC-2-DC suit first produced in 1956, the Pilot’s Protective Assembly (PPA) model S901 worn by the first SR-71 crews, was initially produced for the Lockheed A-12 program in the early 60s. This garment evolved through several improved models that resulted in the S1030 suit.

A/P 22S-2 Full Pressure Suit

Operational 1960. The David Clark XMC-2-DC prototype, although still in need of substantial development, evolved into the MC-2 suit and then into a standardized Air Force high altitude, full pressure garment known as the A/P 22S-2.

This provided greater mobility than the Goodrich A/P22S-3 full pressure suit. 4 layers, 8 sizes, suit controller, oxygen regulator inside helmet, outer layer nylon/polyurethane, Dacron link net restraint second layer, third layer silicon impregnated nylon / neoprene pressure bladder, inner fourth diffusion layer was oxford weave. Many variants, used in bombers, the X-15, and other high altitude aircraft.

Concurrent with USAF decision to develop the A/P22S-2 from the MC-2 suit, the US Navy’s final Mark IV suit was determined to be compatible with US Air Force aircraft cockpits as an interim suit, after certain changes had been made to it. This suit was accepted as a limited production Air Force FPS designated the A/P22S-3 model, and was intended for use until the A/P22S-2 model was finally found to be ready for standardization. Interestingly, the A/P22S-2 suit was regarded by most as the direct precursor design inspiration for NASA’s Gemini mission suits, while the US Navy Mark IV suit was the precursor inspiration for the first US orbital (Project Mercury) space suits used in the original American space flights.

S901J Full Pressure Suit

David Clark Company. Operational 1962. A-12, YF-12A and SR-71 full pressure suit; integrated subsystems, parachute harness, automatic flotation system, urine collection device, redundant pressure control and breathing system, thermal protective garment. Custom fitted or in 12 standard sizes and various models. Having evolved from its remote ancestor, the original David Clark XMC-2-DC suit first produced in 1956, the Pilot’s Protective Assembly (PPA) model S901 worn by the first SR-71 crews, was initially produced for the Lockheed A-12 program in the early 60s. This garment evolved through several improved models that resulted in the S1030 suit.

A/P 22S-2 Full Pressure Suit

S901J Exterior Cover

Gemini Full Pressure Suit Exterior Cover

Unclear as to which of the following this goes to…

G1C Tested 1962. NASA Gemini prototype full pressure suit, closed loop. The G-1C lead to the G-2C, G-3C (IVA suits), G-4C (both IVA and EVA suit), and G-5C with a soft head enclosure for the 14 day Gemini 7 mission.

G2C Tested 1963. The Dave Clark G2C was the prototype IVA space suit for project Gemini. None were flown. The flight versions were G4C and G5C.

G2G Tested 1962. The BF Goodrich space suit was developed in competition with the Dave Clark G2C suit for Project Gemini. It was not flown.

G3C Operational 1964. Dave Clark G3C initial Gemini production flight suits were worn aboard Gemini 3, and by the spacecraft commanders of Gemini 6 and 8.

G4C Operational 1964. Dave Clark G4C flight suits were designed for wear by Gemini astronauts.

G4C AMU Operational 1966. This space suit was designed to provide thermal protection to astronauts using the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit (AMU).

G5C Operational 1965. This David Clark lightweight suit was developed for long duration project Gemini missions. It was designed to be easily removed during flight and to provide greater comfort than the standard Gemini space suit.

A1C Tested 1965. For the initial Block I Apollo missions a modification of the Gemini G4C suit was to have been flown. After the death of the Apollo 1 crew on the pad, Block I missions were cancelled and the suit never flew.

Model S1030 Exterior Cover

Model S1030 Restraint and Gas Container Assembly

Model S901J Exterior Cover

MC-2 Full Pressure Suit

Operational 1958. The XMC-2 full pressure suit developed in the mid-1950s jointly by Wright Field personnel and the David Clark Company for X-15 pilots.

It represented a major advance in pressure suit technology, serving as prototype for those used later by Mercury and Gemini astronauts. The suit included an integrated parachute harness. It required custom sizing and was produced in many variants by the David Clark Company as Model S794-5. It allowed the wearer freedom of movement while keeping him comfortable and protected in the event of cabin pressure failure or emergency ejection from the X-15 at extreme altitudes. The suit incorporated a ventilation layer to cool the user and an outer heat resistant layer. The helmet was built by the Bill Jack Company and contained oxygen equipment, microphone and earphones, and an anti-fogging feature.

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Model S1030 Restraint and Gas Container Assembly

MC-3 partial pressure suit

Operational in 1957, the David C. Clark Company of Worcester, Massachusetts developed the Model MC-3 suit as a replacement for the MC-1, itself designed as a replacement for the S-2 suit. A precautionary measure against catastrophic de-pressurization at high altitudes, a constant danger faced by pilots of high-altitude Cold-War aircraft such as the U-2 and B-36. A great improvement over previous suits, the MC-3 was a turning point in pressure-suit design, using a combination of the then-common “capstan” system, and an innovative full-torso bladder around the vital organs, extending from the shoulders to the middle of the thigh. In the event of depressurization, the suit would inflate, protecting the pilot’s body against the swelling caused by the low air pressure at high altitude. The raised tubes on the extremities would pull against the fabric, ensuring a tight fit when pressurized. This would give the pilot time to guide the plane to a safer, lower altitude. The suit came in 12 sizes, with fine adjustments made possible by laces throughout the suit.

Photos provided by: Jim Krantz