Question on VF-31 HGU-55/P

[HUD69]

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)

 

Can this be an original helmet?

 

Thanks!

 

Ron

[phantomfixer]

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...

[TLeo]

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?

[northcoastaero]

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

[HUD69]

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!

 

Ron

[HUD69]

The 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

[hink441]

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

 

Chris

[HUD69]

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

[HUD69]

And the backside: