| Accession Number | REL/17907.003 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Chamois, Elastic, Metal, Plastic, Rubber |
| Location | Main Bld: Korea, Malaya & Indonesia Gallery: Upper Level: RAAF |
| Maker |
Polaroid |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | c 1943-1950s |
| Conflict |
Korea, 1950-1953 Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Polaroid B-8 Flying goggles : Royal Australian Air Force
Description
Pair of black rubber Polaroid B-8 Flying goggles with clear plastic one-piece lens fitted. The inside of the goggles is lined with yellow chamois leather, and the adjustable elastic and webbing strap is heavily soiled. The upper edge of the black rubber frame is perforated to allow air circulation, and contains, in raised type, the words: 'POLAROID AVIATION GOGGLE NO.1065 T.M. REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.'
History / Summary
The US designed B-8 flying goggles, introduced in 1943, were one of the most successful eyewear designs of the Second World War. Its rubber frame was easily adaptable to fit most faces and variations in oxygen equipment, and its large one-piece lens gave an excellent field of vision. A variety of interchangeable tinted lenses for use in different conditions were also available. The B-8 was popular with many Allied airmen, and saw some use by RAAF personnel in the SW Pacific area during WWII. By the time of the Korean War, it was in general use by Australian pilots, and continued to be standard equipment for many years afterwards.