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Museum object · Tools and Equipment

Flight helmet worn by Thunderbird pilot Gen. Lloyd W. Newton

ca. 1974

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Red, white, and blue flight helmet with black visor. Flight helmet is predominantly red, with an illustration on the back. Illustration on helmet depicts an eagle with four fighter jets in a white star at its center. Blue stars set against a white background surround the eagle. Blue type below the eagle reads, [Thunderbirds]. At PR and PL sides of helmet are metal mechanisms that the flight oxygen mask clips in to. Type on each of the mechanisms reads, [60C4459/IMCO PRECISION/PRODUCTS INC.]. Painted at the center of the helmet's front is [Fig]. Helmet's visor is adjustable using a white knob. Type on white knob reads, [LOCK ASST. VISOR/8475-722-7292/ F/N 66D1722/SHEPARD AIRTRONICS INC.].

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2015.221ab

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