Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Camouflage HGU-26/P Flight Helmet with Oxygen Mask and Helmet Bag

Original Item: One-of-a-kind.  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.

The customers would then install comfort liners, oxygen mask retention receivers and communications to suit their operational needs. The helmet circulated with US Armed Forces, NATO, FMS etc.

This is a heavily worn example which was likely manufactured by Gentex, but there are no markings to confirm this. Most of the helmet minus the visor housing has been covered in Camouflage tape. The helmet itself looks to be in good solid condition and the avionics were never installed. Size is approximately 7 1/4 US. The helmet retains its interior padding which can be pulled back to reveal the name Chamber.

The helmet comes with a Sierra-manufactured MBU-5/P oxygen mask. Its plastic shield has broken off in many spots. It still snaps into the helmet for wear and display.

The bag retains its tag:

BAG, FLYER’S HELMET
SPO100-94-F-EA06
8415-00-782-2989
UNICOR

A great display flight helmet from the Vietnam War era, ready to add to your collection!