Tactical Life Support System
Message 3183, Jun 24, 2001
Speaking of earplugs, my specimen of the TLSS system suit (see attached, although the one
shown is being worn by WIZZO, whose specimen it is), came with a set of earplugs in the
RIGHT side cigarette pocket (yep, RIGHT side)--no earwax on 'em, though. If anyone is
interested, I know where there are at least three more examples of the TLSS suit (but no
more helmets)--however, they are EXPEN$IVE. This is the system, you will recall, that was
the inspiration for the subsequent Combat Edge system. The TLSS suit incorporates a lower
body G-suit and an upper body counterpressure vest--integrated into one suit. It was
deemed too expensive to produce in large numbers and so the CSU-17/P Counterpressure vest
with conventional speed jeans and CE mask/helmet developed. For Venz: I will provide an
article on the TLSS program of the mid 80s for you--just haven't gotten it together, yet.
There were less than 55 TLSS system helmet & mask sets produced and probably about 100
of the suit system components, thus making these items EXTREMELY rare and historically of
significant interest. The images attached show
1) the CSU-17/P Counterpressure Vest that evolved from the TLSS suit; and
2) a photo of the small hoard of remaining examples of TLSS suits that are still in
existance.
Cheers, DocBoink
Message 2464, May 23, 2001
Hello Venz and others, This is indeed exciting, as this helmet and mask are none-other
than a (truly rare) specimen of the extremely important and VERY collectible TLSS system
set that I have occasionally written about and made reference to on this forum. The TLSS
system was flight-tested at Edwards in the mid to late 1980s and less than 55 of them were
made. The system combined advanced concepts for complete high altitude flight and NBC
defense protection, which presented considerably complex and advanced challenges to the
flight design teams at Gentex and Boeing (the major contractors involved). After extensive
testing, the system was found to be far too expensive for wide-spread acquisition by USAF
and the subsequent Combat Edge system developed from it (as a far less costly system, but
one that didn't provide NBC protection).
The even more advanced and refined ATLSS (Advanced Tactical Life Support System) is a
direct result of the early TLSS project, but since the ATLSS was rejected by USAF, the
only place that the ATLSS system is flown is in a few NATO nations.
The specimen shown on the eBay auction site is missing a few key items (namely the PLZT
goggles, the NBC protection items and a few hoses; see the open port on right rear of the
helmet? A hose connects there that joins the 02 circulation system) and appears to be set
up for regular high altitude flight (fighter) operations use. The system was tested
alongside the YF-23 aircraft (perhaps I should say concurrently) but these two projects
were not directly related
This is one of the most important USAF life support projects of the last 20 years, believe
me, and these helmets are extremely rare (less than 55 made, as I said). $650 is literally
giving this set away, given its real value. Obviously 99% of the people viewing that item
on eBay do NOT know what they are looking at--probably even the seller doesn't fully
realise what he has there.
I am attaching a few images and various items related to the TLSS. Anyone interested in
more detailed information, etc., may contact me privately. Thanks for bringing the
extremely rare item to the forum's attention, Venz. Note that all of the images except one
show the TLSS system in standard fighter operations mode (which is the mode being offered
on eBay); the image showing the black PLZT goggles on a TLSS depicts the full NBC
protective TLSS configuration.
One last set of images (3) shows an early spin-off of the TLSS system that was a missing
link between the TLSS project system helmets and the later HGU-55/P and MBU-20/P Combat
Edge System. Note in that image that the MBU-20/P mask is permanently joined to the helmet
and is not removable, as in the final CE system. Also, the mask is an MBU-20/P prototype
which looks as if it was taken directly from a TLSS and fitted to an HGU-55/P. This last
"missing link" is a most remarkable and unusual specimen, as it bridges the gap
from TLSS to final tactical CE. (Thanks to forum member Remaut Martine for these last
three images).
Cheers, DocBoink
