History

Luftwaffe Flying Helmets include unlined or fleece or fur-lined models for summer or winter use, respectively. Models come with or without earphones and oxygen mask fittings.
Summer flying helmets were made of brown linen, while winter helmets were made of brown leather.

The downside of flying helmets was their inability to shield the wearer from any serious threats. This became evident with the increase in anti-aircraft cannons that flying personnel had to deal with, especially as a danger in the form of shrapnel.
Initially, only regular steel helmets were available, worn over the flying helmets. On May 8, 1941 a newly designed steel-enforced brown leather flying helmet with the designation SKK-90 was introduced to be worn over the regular flying helmets. Its most distinctive feature is a leather “comb” at the front. According to one source, it was meant to absorb shock if the wearer hit his head; however, another source states it was meant as a grab pad to allow for quick single-handed removal. The SKK-90 has cut-out parts over the ears to accommodate the flying helmet’s earphone pieces.

The sole manufacturer of this helmet was the company Siemens.

The SKK-90 proved too heavy and uncomfortable. It was deemed unacceptable for front service just two weeks after its official introduction.