Original U.S. Vietnam War Era “Blacked Out” HGU-26/P Flight Helmet with Dual Visor and Oxygen Mask by Sierra Engineering

Original Item. Only One Available. The HGU-26/P request for nomenclature is dated Jan 14, 1970 and is based on the HGU-22/P Helmet Shell. There is no military specification detailing exactly what goes into an HGU-26/P but until the appearance of the single visor HGU-26/P both USAF and manufacturer information was consistent in describing the HGU-26/P as an HGU-22/P helmet shell with a PRU-36/P side-actuated double visor. Sierra Corp and Gentex Inc sold single and dual visor HGU-26/P helmets.

The HGU-2/P, HGU-2A/P and HGU-26/P helmets have been modified and upgraded to meet every user's whims over the years. The most common modifications are custom fit liners instead of the standard fitting pads and the single visor cover gull wing cut to improve the pilot's upward visibility. Both these features are included in the helmet prepared by Protection Inc. for the USAF Thunderbirds display team.

This example appears to have been “blacked out” with the entire exterior covered in black tape with a 70 stenciled on the back. It consists of a HGU-26/P Flight Helmet with a Single Tint Visor and MBU-5/P Oxygen Mask. The black tape has given the helmet a dark appearance that would have been useful in the field.

The inside of the helmet is in good condition, showing wear, however it is not falling apart like so many we see are. The leather covered pads are still relatively soft, and the ear cups are still soft as well, though they do show some cracking and deterioration. Size is relatively small, probably about a 7 1/8 or smaller. The cable from the earphones is gone if there ever was one. There are no data tags we could find on the interior.

The oxygen mask is in good condition and still latches into the posts as intended. Flight helmets issued to jet pilot helmets during the Vietnam war and the early 1980s are very hard to find! Comes ready for further research and display!