TLeo Posted September 9, 2015 Share #1 Posted September 9, 2015 For the helmet experts....I saw a jet helmet that I think may either be a aph-6 or early prk37 so couple questions about which it might be. It has a two piece form fit liner and missing a nape strap, although screw holes for it are present and apparently has the old blue chin strap. There is also an unfilled hole that in the rear in a place that often see comm wire coming from the helmet and the wire is now more on the left side. The single eek visor cover has pretty obviously been cut more of the gull shape for visibility and the helmet, while having some reflective tape, is overall just the white shell with sierra bayonet receivers. Does this sound like a remodeled aph-6 and also, with a form fit liner am I correct the nape strap would not usually be used? I'm thinking a aph-6 due to the above features and only partial reflective tape and I believe when the prk37 came out was in the mid to late 70s. Wasn't it in the 70s that full white tape was required? I grabbed a couple quick shots of the liner and back..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted September 9, 2015 Share #2 Posted September 9, 2015 ..as far as having a nape strap with the form fit liner....I do have a 26/P with same liner and a nape strap...but it is USAF not Navy found this early -6 on a flight helmet website....www.salimbeti.com...his O2 receivers are angled for the T bayonet...yours looks to take the J style Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted September 9, 2015 True, the one I saw had the receivers angled for the J bayonet. I just seem to recall, but can't remember where I read about the nape strap. I could also be remembering it incorrectly as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Fryer Posted September 9, 2015 Share #4 Posted September 9, 2015 Certainly looks like an early PRK-37shell to me. So many bone domes were modified by the ALSE tecs, from what I have been told is the nape strap was discontinued when a formfit liner was used. Still the holes would have been filled with epoxy.... or so you would have thought! Pity you don't have anymore photos of the helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted September 9, 2015 I may go take a chance on it as it did have that "flight used" look about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted September 10, 2015 Share #6 Posted September 10, 2015 Most likely a Sierra modified USN/USMC APH-6D or HGU-2A/P / HGU-22/P shell? Has a MBU-5/P oxygen mask attached. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 10, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted September 10, 2015 Most likely a Sierra modified USN/USMC APH-6D or HGU-2A/P / HGU-22/P shell? Has a MBU-5/P oxygen mask attached. yes it did. wouldn't it be considered an aph-6e with addition of that type liner? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted September 10, 2015 Share #8 Posted September 10, 2015 I have heard of the APH-6E designation, but do not know if it was officially adopted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted September 12, 2015 I decided to go ahead and pick up this helmet as it does appear legit flight used. It also came with a mbu-5 mask that I have doubts about belonging with it but anyway...like to hear opinions on exactly what type. I think a aph-6e from what I have been reading but not sure. I have some ear pads, foam earphone inserts and visor screws ordered to replace the missing pieces. Also like to hear any ideas of the squadron. I have found a VS squadron that used shamrocks but only one with use of three together so far is VMFA-333. The design on the back reminds a bit of a crude Japanese character and they were based in Japan mid 60's and had cruises to Vietnam as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted September 12, 2015 other side and front...showing the deeply cut/modified housing sometimes done for visibility Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted September 12, 2015 interior two piece form fit liner.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted September 12, 2015 too late to edit previous.......now that I look at it again...the back reminds me of the phantom "spook" mascot too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted September 12, 2015 Share #13 Posted September 12, 2015 The helmet is most likely a VMFA-333 from the 1970s. Could be a custom flight helmet from Sierra? The USN/USMC also used the MBU-5/P mask, especially with custom flight helmets. The helmet most likely has oxygen mask receivers that are positioned for the offset J mask bayonets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted September 12, 2015 Well, I seem to have identified as indeed from VMFA-333. Found this photo on line and while not totally identical the two shamrocks are on the visor and on the right of the picture it clearly shows the top of a rectangle with green border and partial green shamrock like this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted September 12, 2015 The helmet is most likely a VMFA-333 from the 1970s. Could be a custom flight helmet from Sierra? The USN/USMC also used the MBU-5/P mask, especially with custom flight helmets. The helmet most likely has oxygen mask receivers that are positioned for the offset J mask bayonets. Thanks very much. This one has a straight cord with the single plug so would need a in-line amp added or not be needed then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted September 12, 2015 Share #16 Posted September 12, 2015 The rectangular amplifier would be needed, probably at the end of the straight cable. The amp would plug into the top of the lower high pressure REDAR hose. The lower REDAR hose would have a locking connector on the end and most likely a Robertshaw Type 1 mini-regulator at the top. The APH-6D flight helmet cable would probably plug into the U-61/U plug on the top side of the lower REDAR hose. However, your helmet is equipped with the CX-4708A/AIC cable in helmet's latest configuration. The mask may have used another cable or there may have been another type of mask used. Just curious, what are the dates on the MBU-5/P oxygen mask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLeo Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted September 13, 2015 It's a sierra and dated 74-75-76. The straight cord has a two pin u-173 connector on the end. Markings on the cord are rubbed off a bit but can make out wd/34u and mil c 5898 c. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I am not that well versed in the older helmets as I am in the newer ones so always glad to be learning some new information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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