MIG 21 Pilot's pressure suit dated 1968

[Anderson]

So maybe Vietnam is stretching it, as this suit is mint, never been issued but certainly the type was used by North Vietnamese pilots. I acquired in the mid 1990's from a dealer in a port city. He said a Russian sailor from a fishing boat had dropped in his shop one day and offered this suit for sale. Anything for a bit of hard currency in those post Soviet days. I said I'd buy it and the dealer looked at me curiously and said "you don't have a MIG 21 do you?"... That would be telling. The suit packs into a surprisingly small bag. It pays to remember how to repack it before unpacking!

[Anderson]

Photos of North Vietnamese pilots during the Vietnam war wearing this type of pressure suit.

[MAP]

Very nice! I've seen a couple at the local shows over the years. Always thought they were neat.

Interesting how the soviets copied the US "lift a Dot" snaps on the bag!

[AndyM35]

What a fascinating piece of history you have there Anderson! I love the tinted screen on the helmet and the suit looks to be in great condition. .

Thank you for sharing.

Andy