Pilot´s protection between legs, for what?

[Arto O]

Hi,
In this illustration a japanese pilot from times of attact to Pearl Harbour is wearing a special protection between his legs. For what was it? Against the wheeling stick of the airplane? Thanks in advance.
Arto

PILOT.jpg (35.07 KiB) Viewed 339 times

Source: Segunda Guerra Mundial vol. 8 de Centro editor PDA, Argentina

[B Hellqvist]

It could be there just to stop the life jacket riding up if the pilot ended up in the water. Similar straps are found on modern life jackets. I can imagine that pilots didn't want to tighten the other straps too much, as it could possibly have hindered movement.

[Eugen Pinak]

B Hellqvist is correct - this is not a protection of any sort, just a thing to hold live jacket. You can see it here: http://www.hikishop.com/images/l/201403/13947017926.jpg

[Arto O]

Thanks B Hellqvist and Eugen Pinak. More simple than I thought.
with best regards
Arto