Pep Posted December 30, 2020 Share #1 Posted December 30, 2020 I got this helmet recently. It looks to be in good used shape. No restorations. I would like to ask for help in finding out what type of oxygen mask and mic set should go with it for the period. This is my first dive into USAF flight helmets..thanks in advance for any help... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT500E Posted December 30, 2020 Share #2 Posted December 30, 2020 MBU-3p would have been the most common mask and then maybe MBU-4p for lower alt. work. Nice that the comm's survived the years as they often found without. Equally nice that this example has'nt been upgraded with visor pivot plates. The edgeroll will be the hardest part of the restoration (if desired) as they are rare a hens teeth with gold fillings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT500E Posted December 30, 2020 Share #3 Posted December 30, 2020 forgot to mention that visual protection would have mostly been the B-8 aviation goggle. Without evidence of holes drilled for an external boom mounted mic, only comms would be in the mask and thus, this helmet likely flew high and fast. Maybe SAC, etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pep Posted December 30, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted December 30, 2020 Thanks AMT500E. Any suggestion as to where a good vendor would be found for a MBU-3p? Also I have noticed there are many different mic sets, which would be correct for this helmet. Thanks for your info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pep Posted December 30, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted December 30, 2020 Forgot to mention it is named as well.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted December 30, 2020 Share #6 Posted December 30, 2020 Very nice helmet...great USAF decal....untouched...the MB-4 was a SAC ordered helmet...they didn't want the visor...why? also look for the A-14B oxygen mask, aside from re designation I am not sure if there is a difference between the A-14B and the MBU-4/P Ebay for the mask or Bell's Aviation...Garcia Aviation at times gets them...but mostly they wind up on ebay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted December 30, 2020 Share #7 Posted December 30, 2020 Just FYI, there is a MBU-4/P on ebay now going off in two day...Jan 1st? https://www.ebay.com/itm/MBU-4-P-Aircrew-Oxygen-Mask-Flight-Helmet-Pilot/224293602985?hash=item3438f0c6a9:g:5fIAAOSwaFRf5ncg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pep Posted December 30, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted December 30, 2020 I see that one phantomfixer, but it has no coms included... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT500E Posted December 30, 2020 Share #9 Posted December 30, 2020 "Any suggestion as to where a good vendor would be found for a MBU-3p? Also I have noticed there are many different mic sets, which would be correct for this helmet" Flighthelmet.com carries the masks in a variety of configurations. Im sure GM has something thats correct for your era of artifact. As for a mic set?,.. that would largely depend on the mission/aircraft flown.. Most masks come with some type of mic which interfaces with the wiring in the helmet via the left side jack. If your talking about speakers for the ear cups, FH.com has those also. If it were my helmet, it would be paired with an MBU-3, B8s and thats pretty much it. the mask would need only a single comm wire from the mic to plug into the jack on the helmet. Helmet Comm wire in back carries all the load, from the radio(s) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayward Son Posted December 31, 2020 Share #10 Posted December 31, 2020 Beautiful MB-4! I love the patina and honest wear and tear. Great foray into flight helmets. Congratulations! 🍻 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmar836 Posted December 31, 2020 Share #11 Posted December 31, 2020 Gonna look great with goggles and O2 mask! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted January 1, 2021 Share #12 Posted January 1, 2021 Very nice example of early and non retrofitted MB-4 (these were produced around the year 1957). I like the patina of the shell, decal and edgeroll, a very authentic piece of S.A.C. history. More informations about these shells. In that early configuration, I'd concur with AMT500E, just a pair of B-8 flying goggles and MBU-3/P (USAF nomenclature for the MS-22001 mask) with early straps / tabs attachment and the 2-pin com cord, would be a perfect match, easy to put together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebel Posted January 1, 2021 Share #13 Posted January 1, 2021 MS-22001 or later MBU-3/P which was an ultimate version of the MS-22001 in USAF. MB-4 hadn't visor due to the naroowness in some place of bomber aircraft. However a lot of MB-4 have has a visor added. That's for that an original mb-4 without visor is a little hard to find now. Franck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pep Posted January 16, 2021 Author Share #14 Posted January 16, 2021 So after a lot of reading I found what I believe is the correct set up for this helmet. MS22001(1954) with M32B/AIC Mic and an old pair of googles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkALSE Posted January 16, 2021 Share #15 Posted January 16, 2021 Looks good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted January 17, 2021 Share #16 Posted January 17, 2021 Nicely done, it looks beautiful put together this way ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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