 During this period, Italy had been able to recapture the record, achieving a recorded maximum altitude of 51,364 ft (15,656 m).In response, on 30 June 1937, Flight Lieutenant M.J. Adam undertook a 2¼-hour flight in which he achieved a record altitude, later certified as 53,937 ft (16,440 m).Despite the canopy cockpit suffering a major crack during this pioneering flight, Adam was protected from injury by his pressure suit and helmet.