Original U.S. Vietnam War APH-5 Flight Helmet by MSA with Original Bag & Decals

Original Item: Only One Available. At the end of the 50's the APH series helmets introduced a new generation of flight helmets characterized by the external visor covered with a protective shield. Improvement of the communication system, internal liner and oxygen mask retainers was also made and in some versions the dual dark and transparent visors system was installed. These types of helmets were the US Navy and USMC standard jet aircraft headgears during the 60's and throughout the 70's. In this period the first development of a flight helmet incorporating the Visual Target Acquisition System (VTAS I) was also made. Furthermore during the late 60's, flight tests were performed to verify the suitability of a full face "Clam Shell'' helmet designed to eliminate the oxygen mask and to give better protection during ejection.

This is outstanding Vietnam War APH-5 helmet in the original configuration, with a great mostly-retained maker’s label on the back of the helmet for MSA, one of the manufacturers of M1 helmet liners during World War II. The label reads:

MSA (SAFETY EQUIPMENT HEADQUARTERS)
APH-5 HELMET - LARGE SIZE
FSN RB400-CO4-1550-G550
CONTRACT ..83 (MIS) 46209A
MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY
PITTSBURGH 8, PENNA. MADE IN U.S.A.

The helmet is gold in color and retains its white and orange decals worn by pilots during the war. The interior shows very heavy wear with some of the padding having detached, and the original chincup microphone is still intact, but some pieces are broken off and have been placed in a smaller beige bag in the helmet. This example certainly saw heavy field use, and still retains its visor which can be pulled down by unscrewing the nut on top.

The helmet comes in its original heavily worn carrying bag, which is the correct early model without any markings or tags. They really don’t get much better than this. 

Overall a great attractive helmet from the Vietnam War that is ready for further research and display!