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Question on VF-31 HGU-55/P


HUD69
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Hi,

 

This HGU-55/P was aquired by me last weekend. It shows the VF-31 Felix design (hand cut cat) and the white tape is the wider version. The HGU-55/P is an early version with thin edge roll and has a TPL liner. Unfortunately the name on the back is unreadable and there is nothing to be found (as far as I can see) on the inside.

 

Somewhere during its life, the helmet was adjusted to light weight chin/nape strap configuration. (see the covered holes on the sides)

 

post-163947-0-03185000-1481052560_thumb.jpgpost-163947-0-70741900-1481052566_thumb.jpg

Can this be an original helmet?

 

Thanks!

 

Ron

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Not sure on the artwork, but there was/is a conversion kit to add the integrated nape strap, and possibly a TCTO for it as well...the life support shop at Dover had many of the kits, with templates on where and how to install...

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I believe they did convert the 55 to use the integrated chin and nape strap so I would venture that it is possible to be real. What type ear phones are in it?

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Just curious, what type of liner is on the inside?

 

Hi,

 

It has a black styro with TPL inside.

The earphones are H87B/U

 

Thanks for the answers!

 

Ronpost-163947-0-11139100-1481094018_thumb.jpg

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post-163947-0-95989000-1481094152_thumb.jpgThe extra cable running from the helmet to the mask, has been secured by a small white ty-rap.

Have seen this before on older USN HGU's. Where those squadron markings hand cut in those days?

Thanks,

Ron

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  • 1 year later...

Squadron markings on helmets were hand done during the 1980s thru the early 2000s when I retired from VF-211.

 

Chris

 

And around 2 years after the first, a second example of an HGU-55/P from VF-31 enters my collection.

Looks like the same time frame, also modified to integrated chin/nape strap. Hand cut artwork and slightly different from my first one.

(better pictures hopefully soon)

 

 

Cheers,

Ron

post-163947-0-55124500-1543073048.jpeg

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