Luftwaffe Type (Berat Nr.) 10.30 B-2 Life Vest; cotton canvas duck cloth cover rubber front inflation bladders with inflatable neck ring, cotton back panel; 2 cotton web front straps with "D" rings; lower CO2 inflation canister lower left waist; black rubber inflation hose upper front left bladder; with green trim and straps, manual inflation rubber hose; black manufacture stamp on inside back panel (see marks for full text).
Summary:
The Type 10.30 B-2 life vest was a mid to late war variation with a solid shoulder panel replacing the back straps of the Type 10.30 design. The vest was worn deflated during flight. The around the neck configuration ensured that the wearer remained face up in the water. Unfortunately, this vest did not automatically inflate when it came in contact with the water rendering the vest of no value for the unconscious pilot.
This life vest was captured by the United States Army Air Force and brought to the United States for evaluation but no specifics about its wartime use was recorded.
