U.S. WWII B-17 M3 STEEL FLAK HELMET ORIGINAL

World War 2 American bomber crews in the skies over Europe needed something more than their leather flying helmets to protect them from shrapnel injuries, however, it took a surprisingly long time for a new helmet to be developed and deployed to meet that need.

Not until December of 1943 did the M3 reach the European theatre.

It was the first of three versions of the American Bomber flak helmet. One of the most notable aspects of the M3 is its M1 profile. It looks like the M1 infantry helmet cut out with hinged armored ear cups that were used to accommodate the headsets worn by the aircrews. The M-3 comes complete with the suspension liner and chinstrap.