British Aircrew Partial Pressure Helmet Modified for TSR2
To help protect against wind blast experienced through high speed ejection, the visor would automatically lower as lanyards from either side of the helmet visor mechanism are retracted into the ejection seat.
Images
Example Equipment
This image shows a modified BWT partial pressure helmet on the right, designation unknown, but resembles an E-Type or CX-Type. Clearly visible are non-stnadard arms to the rear of the visor activation handle pivots, leading to a strap to the rear of the helmet. It is my belief that this modified mechanism acts in the same manner as the modified Mk2A visor mechanism.
Also shown are the modified P2/Q2 oxygen mask to the left, and modified Mk2A helmet in the centre.
Development
This development image from BWT appears to be demonstrating the automatic visor closure mechanism, based on fittings either side of the visor pivots being pulled on, as would happen by the ejection seat lanyards, so is believed to be the development partial pressure helmet for TSR2. The other similarity to the image above is the large "pillow" at the rear which os not typical of the E-Type or CX-Type.
The image shows the visor half-way down as someone pulls on the straps attached to the visor activation handle rear arms. This image must have been taken by a high-speed camera, as these visors typically snap down instantly upon activation.
Image from Christian Brydges
