HGU-52/P helmet
latest update 29 June 2009

The HGU-52/P helmet was one of the family of US Navy helmets based on the PRK-37/P helmet shell. It was fitted with oxygen mask receivers, a poured custom fit liner or VTEC liner, H-87B/U headset, M-87/AIC boom microphone, AM-3597C/A amplifier and a CX-13155 comms cable.
To begin with the version with the EEK-4A/P single visor was the standard and the PRU-36/P double visor as optional equipment as can be seen in the drawing at the bottom of the page. Both versions were prescribed for use in the E-2, EA-6A, A-3 series of aircraft and as an instructor helmet in T-28B/C.
From the second half of the 1980s helmets with the two types of visors were termed HGU-52(V)1/P and HGU-52(V)2/P respectively. The (V)1 was prescribed for use in ERA-3B, EA-6A and KA-3B aircraft, and for instructors in TA-3B and T-28B/C aircraft, while the (V)2 was
for use in E-2A/B/C and TE-2A Hawkeye aircraft.

HGU-52(V)1/P helmet from VAW-111 Blackhawks Det. 2, fitted with an EEK-4A/P single visor. The AM-3597C/A amplifier is mounted externally in a bracket fitted to the right side of the helmet. Pictures © Chameloon


HGU-52(V)2/P helmet from VAW-116 Sunkings fitted with a PRU-36/P dual visor. This helmet is a very good example of a rigger-taped helmet. The pieces of tape overlap and parts of the visor housing have been left uncovered. Pictures © Tim Doherty


HGU-52(V)2/P helmet from VAW-125 Tigertails, fitted with a PRU-36/P dual visor. This helmet is custom made by Protection Inc and is a fine contrast to the rigger job above. The yellow reflective tape base has been applied and trimmed very carefully to ensure no overlap. After adding the squadron artwork the entire helmet has been covered with several layers of clear lacquer. The picture to the far right shows how the AM-3597C/A amplifier is mounted externally, even on a nice helmet like this one. Pictures © Milehigh.