US Navy type BPH-2 helmet / Vietnam era

[Squale69]

Hello,

 

Recent acquisition of this US Navy type BPH-2 helmet manufactured by GENTEX and dated July 65, so early Vietnam era...

with a few questions to specialists :

 

What type of microphone was used on these headsets at this time ? M-87 / AIC ?

What type of oxygen mask ?

 

What information can we have from the rear marking : Y (or something else) P43 and 147 ?

 

Thanks for the feedback. P.A

[boxerdogi]

The back looks like VP 42 to me...that would be the squadron.... very nice helmet!

[Vark_07]

Outstanding and pretty rare example. I concur, VP-42 carved on the back is an obvious and nice match for a BPH-2 "Patrol Pilot's Helmet" (as seen on the tag).

 

After a quick search, the boom microphone that was mostly used with these helmets was the M-6A/UR, then later replaced by the M-87/AIC.

For the mid-60's period, I would stick to the M-6A.
 

I don't think USN patrol crews were frequently using O² masks -if not at all, the BPH-2 is closer to an helicopter helmet after all. However, if they did, the attachment studs similar to the H-3 / H-4 and early APH-5 would likely suggest the MS-22001 (with metal Y-yoke or earlier strap retention) which was standard in the Navy.

Not sure about this statement, just an educated guess here.

 

Patrol Squadron 42 "Sea Demons" was using SP-2H Neptune during the mid-60's, and indeed saw action in VN during that period.

(C) Maurice E. Goff Jr.

Quote

1 October 1965 – April 1966 : VP-42 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Five months were spent participating in Operation Market Time while based at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, South Vietnam.

VP-42 also provided support for Operation Double Eagle, amphibious landings conducted near Quảng Ngai City, South Vietnam, from 28 January to 1 March 1966. While supporting this operation the squadron received small arms fire on more than half a dozen occasions.

 

1 April – December 1967: VP-42 relieved VP-17 at NS Sangley Point. One detachment of six aircraft was assigned to Tan Son Nhut Air Base. On 30 May the remainder of the squadron transferred to Cam Ranh Bay Naval Air Facility in support of Market Time patrols. The squadron returned to NAS North Island on 1 December 1967, having flown 590 combat missions without casualties. (source : Wikipedia)

 

[Squale69]

Thank you for your both feedbacks and huge information I get !!

 

VP-42 is definitely the right Squadron !

What would "147" stand for ? something to do with the crew member ?

 

Thanks. P.A

[mohawkALSE]

Probably the crewman's rack number.

[horridohutch]

Nice original helmet...

[Vark_07]

On a side note, the missing screws on each side right above the earcups can be explained by the missing "T" metal retention parts usually attached to them.

Besides, if you have planned to attach a boom mike to it (M-6A / M-87), note that you're going to need a round swivel-assembly mount on the left earcup.

 

source : (C) Jet Age Flight Helmets encyclopedia

[Squale69]

Many thanks Vark_07.

Any idea of where to find (and buy) such items ?

I can't find on the net...

P.A

[72psb]

P.A.,

I have the correct boom arm, mount and gray M-87/AIC microphone. I do not have the correct cable to tie the ear phones and mic together. I do not have the ear cup retainers.

PM me for more information. Postage may be prohibitive to France, even for a small package.

Bob