An interesting cosmonaut pilot survival kit contained within an olive drab canvas bag, stamped on the front with part numbers, "HA3-7, 8904901." The main kit is inside a removable interior pouch that has the same part numbers stamped on the front, with several survival materials held within the form-fitting foam case by thick gray elastic bands. Items in this kit include: a looped razor-wire saw, a compass, fishing equipment, a medical kit, boxes for flares and bullets (empty), flashlight, matches, signal mirror, a plastic box for crackers or other food, and other items. Other items in the large canvas bag include a pair of short folding metal skis and water purification supplies. A booklet inside the kit is dated 1989. Some items originally held within the case may no longer be present. In overall very good to fine condition. These survival kits were designed so that Soviet pilots would have the supplies necessary for survival in case of a crash landing. As bullets would have been included in this kit, the pilot would also have carried a gun—possibly the intriguing TP-82, a combination shotgun-machete designed for hunting, firing distress beacons, protection from the wolves and bears of Siberia and, potentially, as a defensive weapon against hostile foreign nationals. An unusual and fascinating discussion piece.
