Rare original Soviet Strizh pressure suit developed for the crew of the Russian Buran-class orbiters. Manufactured by NPP Zvezda circa 1988, the Strizh space suit measures approximately 65˝ in length and consists of an olive flame-retardant nylon canvas with silver trim, and an inner pressure bladder of Kapron and resin. Other suit features include: an integral pressurized hood/helmet with a hinged polycarbonate visor securing to an aluminum flange anodized in gold with blue anodized hinges; trussed sleeves with adjustable articulating cables and webbed belt lashings; a wrist pressure gauge on the left sleeve; detachable gloves securing to aluminum flanges anodized in gold; gloves with webbed nylon adjustors to backs of palms; palms with leather pads and rubber fingertips; a lace-up front with double v-front zip closure; a lace-up crotch covered with Velcro triangular placket; a lace-up back with Velcro closure; support sling wraps from chest to back using webbed nylon belts and metal buckles and clasps; a pressure equalization valve to chest center; lower torso with anodized aluminum umbilical attachments for electricity, oxygen, and coolant, with attached cables and hoses; utility pockets to both thighs and shins; integral boots of nylon canvas. Both inner wrist areas are stamped: “ГП-8M-11-0210022.” In fine condition.
The Strizh [Swift] spacesuit was developed for the crew of the Russian Buran reusable spacecraft to be used during Intervehicular Activity. Additionally, the suit was designed to protect the cosmonauts during potential emergency ejections from the Buran spacecraft, allowing for ejections up to an altitude of 30km and speeds up to Mach 3. The Buran included ejection seats (the K-36RB or K-36M-11F35) which, along with the Strizh suits, were tested in a series of five launches from 1988-1990. The first unmanned mission of the Buran spacecraft included two dummies outfitted in Strizh suits, which both shared a single BRS-1 portable life support system that could provide up to 24 hours of oxygen in the event of cabin depressurization. Two Buran spacecraft were manufactured, but only the unmanned craft was ever launched, as the program was suspended due to a lack of funds and the political situation in the Soviet Union. The Strizh spacesuit was an analog to the US Space Shuttle Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES). Although the Buran program was canceled, a derivative of the Strizh spacesuit, the Baklan pressure suit was adopted as the standard for use in Russian high-altitude combat aircraft.
