Protecting the noggin of fighter pilots since the late 1940’s, the modern day hard pilot helmet is certainly a symbol in military aviation these days.  The combination helmet, sun visor, and attached oxygen mask is a lot like the armor of a knight — fearsome looking, but serving much more of a purpose than the visual impact.  Much like football, the evolution of the fighter pilot helmet went from soft leather helmets used during and before World War II to the hard, protective helmets used today as aircraft speed increased.  With the jet age came the even more cranium-perilous need for ejection seats to exit high speed aircraft in emergencies.  With the rapid acceleration of the “rocket-powered car seat” and violent ejection sequence, the need for a solid “brain bucket” was needed more than ever.

Most helmets used in recent years by U.S. Military pilots are made by Gentex Corporation and illustrated here in tattoo form is a helmet styled after the HGU-55/P style of helmet.

The tattoo was created by artist Nathan Kostechko at Manifest Studio in Los Angeles, CA.  Nathan is featured this month in International Tattoo Art magazine (May 2009).

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The use of cartoons and humor goes a long way to lighten a stressful environment in times of war.  With any tough assignment, crew morale is an utmost concern and any opportunity to take some of the edge off the situation is welcomed.  Thus the reason for flight crews adorning the noses of their aircraft with elaborate (and sometime very risque) paintings known as nose art. 

Soldiers, sailors and airmen often doodled and cartooned to take their minds off the war as well.  Perhaps one of the most famous cartoonists of WWII was Bill Mauldin, a soldier with the 45th Infantry Division who became known for his cartoons of common soldiers or GIs.  Mauldin eventually began drawing for the newspaper Stars and Stripes, featuring the characters Willie and Joe.  Mauldin eventually went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist after the war.

This colorful tattoo, featuring a cartoon version of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was created by John Wayne of Beesting Tattoos in Belle River, Ontario CA

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The mighty Lockheed C-130 Hercules is one of the most recognizable transport aircraft in the world today.  First flown on August 23, 1954, the “Herky Bird” is one of only five aircraft types that have met and surpassed the 50-year mark of continuous service in current inventory.  The C-130 is still being produced in fact, as the C-130J.  The C-130 was originally designed as a troop transport, but it’s scope has broadened over the years to include service as an inflight refueler (KC-130), gunship (AC-130), and even use by the US Navy and Air National Guard to support operations in Antarctica on skis!

For many who crewed on or currently fly aboard the C-130, the airplane holds a special place in their heart. For the subject of this entry, his passion for the C-130 Hercules extended to the point where he had one permanently placed on his forearm as a tattoo tribute to the timeless transport.

Artist Matt Bremer of Sinnin Skinn Inkworks in Orfordville, WI did the great piece in black and gray for the client with great results!

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The Sikorsky CH-53E (S-80) Super Stallion is the latest operating derivation of the HH-53 (S-65) “Super Jolly Green Giant” Sea Stallion helicopter originally developed in the 1960’s for search and air rescue and heavy lift missions.  Unlike the earlier twin-engined HH-53 variant, the CH-53E is powered by three General Electric T64-GE-416(A) turboshaft engines and incorporates a host of other changes from the earlier S-65 model - though dimensionally they are similar. The CH-53E is one of the largest helicopters in the world and its main missions are heavy-lift to forward zones, amphibious assault support, mine sweeping, casualty transport, and SAR (Search and Rescue).

**Please note, the earlier post here listed this tattoo inaccurately as an MH-53 Pavelow III - we have corrected this to the CH-53E - our apologies to veterans and servicemen of the type**

In honor of the monstrous helicopter, artist Niko of Hold Fast Tattoo in Chandler, AZ created this black and gray tattoo piece.

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  The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was one of the most famous aircraft to emerge from the famous Lockheed ADP (Advanced Development Projects) division nicknamed “The Skunk Works” under the leadership of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson.  The Skunk Works team were responsible for some of the most advanced and secretive aircraft in the air.  The U-2 Spyplane, the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, and the F-104 Starfighter were just some of the designs that came into the public eye — many others may never be known!

This tattoo is a forearm piece illustrating the top view of the SR-71 Blackbird.  The Mach 3 capable, high altitude spyplane is one of the most unique and recognizable aircraft designs of the jet era.  The choice to use black and gray shading for the tattoo is fitting as the plane most always was seen in public in its stealthy black paint.

Artist Brendan Mudd of Inkfish Tattoo in Maidstone, Kent UK created this unique piece.

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