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.
|