X-15 Pressure Suit Note: This item is currently in storage. This suit is an example of an XMC-2 full pressure suit developed for use in the mid-1950s jointly by Wright Field personnel and David Clark Co. for X-15 pilots. It represented a major advance in pressure suit technology serving as prototype for those used later by Mercury and Gemini astronauts. It allowed the wearer freedom of movement while keeping him comfortable and protected in the event of cabin pressure failure or emergency ejection from the X-15 at extreme altitudes. The suit incorporated a ventilation layer to cool the user and an outer heat resistant layer. The helmet was built by the Bill Jack Co. and contained oxygen equipment, a microphone, earphones and an anti-fogging feature. Transferred from the 4756th Physiological Training Flight. Click here to return to the Featured Accessions index. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets North American X-15A-2 Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.