Baklan - Full Pressure Suit

This suit, although developed for long range aviation, had potential for other uses, too.  The Baklan served as the foundation for development of the Strizh' (also sometimes called the Sokol KV-III) which is the space suit for use on the Soviet Space Shuttle - the Buran.  

The Baklan has a double-zippered entry through the chest section.  The gloves have the standard twist lock mechanism and are interchangeable with any other space suit gloves.  However, the Baklan gloves are only thin rubber and are not insulated.  The Baklan's helmet is an integral part of the suit and cannot be removed as a separate part.  

The internal communications helmet for the Baklan is also similar to others in existence.  It has more in common with flight helmet communications systems than with space systems.  The single boom mike is reminiscent of that for the GSh-6 hermetic helmet system.  The earphones appear to be standard issue.  The mesh head section is similar to, yet unique from the ShL-3DP. 

You'll also note that the Baklan looks incredibly similar to the Sokol KV-II - some elements of both programs were shared.

Because of the rarity of this piece, value is hard to determine.  A complete Baklan is worth from $6000 to $9000.

Baklan Pics

Comm helmet

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