1960

1960’s

The 1960s was another transformative decade for BWT. Our company had already joined the Society of British Aircraft Companies (SBAC) in the late ‘50s and had started exhibiting products at the Farnborough Air Show – a major turning point that propelled our growth, expansion and popularity way forward.

Under the stewardship of Eric Taylor, BWT became further involved in the development of a full pressure suit and helmet for high altitude flying. Based upon a design by R E Simpson, this pressure suite was being made for experimental purposes at the RAE using the Windak technology. Work continued over a period of three to four years and what was eventually developed was a pressure suit with articulated arms using metal rings at the shoulders, elbows and wrists. The rings were able to turn within their own circumference but remain completely airtight. This design incorporated an anti ‘G’ corsellette and a sealed helmet.

Thanks to this invention we added another feather in our proverbial cap, because although as a pressure suit it was never put into production, the innovative joints were given to the US space agency for use in their space exploration programme. At the same time, BWT continued exploring its capabilities in insulation and expanded its portfolio of insulation products for commercial aeroplanes.