Quote:
Originally Posted by RedToo
Goggles - AFAIK some fighter pilots wore goggles etc. in combat at any altitude (and gloves) because of fear of cockpit fire.
RedToo.
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fire was a real danger and probably one of the biggest fears of aviators at the time, but they wore eye protection for more general reasons then just specifically fire protection. like fluid/fuel/coolant leaks potentially splashing them in the face, or a broken canopy splintering or exposing them to very cold air (at high altitude).
goggles however reduced their vision and slightly blurred their vision to, hence many pilots didnt always like to wear them all the time, particularly in close dogfights. preparing to dive on an enemy bomber formation would be a time most would put them back on
similarly with gloves, their purpose was more for general hand protection used while operating machinery (the aircraft) and the cold air, rather then specific fire protection gear (which was an added bonus)