San Diego Air & Space Museum

Artifact Collection

Wally Schirra’s Anti-G Suit

As aircraft became faster and more sophisticated, the equipment that their pilots wore had to adapt as well. It became clear that the human body was not naturally able to cope with the stresses that flying in these modern aircraft put on them. One of the main issues was G-force, which in simple terms is the increase in gravity due to acceleration, which in aircraft can be very great. For example, if you are on a roller coaster that is said to have a force of 3G, would feel 3 times as heavy as normal gravity. High G force makes blood gather in the lower extremities of the body, which can deprive the brain of oxygen. As such, pilots can pass out when exposed to 4-6 Gs. To combat this, along with breathing techniques, pilots utilize G-Suits to keep the blood from collecting in the legs.

WWII RAF Sector Clock

In the Museum’s World War II exhibit area, there is a Quonset hut reproduction that houses display cases of artifacts. Inside the hut above the main door, hangs a unique item known as a Sector Clock. Originally known as "colour change clocks," Sector Clocks were first used during World War I by the Royal Flying Corps to plot movements of incoming German aircraft. During World War II, Sector Clocks played a significant role in the Battle of Britain, the Blitz, and the bombing of British cities that followed by allowing the British to hold control of the sky with fighters ready to intercept enemy aircraft within five minutes of initial contact.

YWCA World War One Poster

Many of our Curatorial artifacts shed light on the society that created them. One example is SDASM's World War One Y.W.C.A. poster. The feminine stance and figure in this poster is saying a woman's femininity will not be compromised due to working in factories.