P-series helmets and derivatives in Yugoslav Air Force use

Message 1937, Apr 21, 2001
G'day mates,
Just received a shipment of Yugoslavian P-3 variant helmets (former Yugoslavian Air Force version of our USAF P-3 is designated the PK-07), together with their MS22001 type masks. Although a few of you have already discovered and benefited from a connection with Miroslav Sekulic in Serbia, I thought I'd bring this up to your attention once again, and perhaps present a few more photos of these items FYI.
Discovering these little jewels is so amazing that it almost takes all the fun out of it (but not quite!). The Yugo+slavian Air Force PK-07 is an amazing near-identical replica of the well known and much sought-after USAF early 50s era P-3 helmet. The former Yugoslavian Air Force initially imported a quantity of US-made P-3 helmets many years ago, but then followed this with license-produced versions of their own internal manufacture. The US-made P-3s are true to US specs, with compressed phenolic resin-impregnated canvas duck shell construction, but feature black edge rolls quite similar to the original 1947 issue US "Type-1 Pilot Protective Helmet" (otherwise known as the USAF P-1). Most of the other details, with the exception of headset com cord construction, etc., are near identical to the US P-3 versions. The Yugoslav manufactured variants, designated 'Typ PK-07', are slightly different in subtle ways. First, the shell is made from glass fibre, not the old style Phenolic-resin impregnated duck material. The head suspension sling and 02 mask snap tabs components are made from leather, but have a different color outer surface than the US counterparts. (The PK-07 chamois-covered earphone pads are almost exactly identical to the US models, however.)
The visor assembly is virtually identical to the very early USAF P-3 side-latch visor, to which Bluelight and I have applied the taxonomic designation "Early Visor, Type I". This visor has the original short "J" side latches, which position the lower edge of the visor transparency slightly within the upper periphery of the pilot's visual fields when retracted to the "up" position (as you know the "Early Visor, Type II" addressed this problem through the use of longer "J" side latch arms, that positioned the visor higher in the retracted mode, thereby clearing the pilot's peripheral vision of this unforeseen distraction). It also has the early uppermost rail mounted squared flange, intended to serve as a convenient grasping mechanism on the original P-3 visor (but removed as a potential chute-riser fouling point on the "Early Visor, Type II").
The Yugoslavian made com cord connector is designated the '4ULS' connector, and is visually identical to the USAF/USN 'U-75/U' connector that all US P-series helmets featured until introduction of the 'U-93/U' connector used with the H-75/AIC type headset of the P-4 series.
A Yugoslavian Air Force star roundel insignia is featured on the front upper part of the shell, exactly where the USAF 'winged-star' insignia was placed on American P-3 helmets.
There are a few other differences notable, as well. One is the use of cotton strings and laces, in place of Perlon (nylon), and the Yugoslavian PK-07 also was manufactured in two different trim configurations (what I term the 'white' and 'black' versions). The 'white' variant features white rubber edgeroll, earphone connector boot, and light olive colored head sling and 02 mask-tab leather. The 'black' variant features a black rubber edgeroll, earphone connector boot, and bone-colored head suspension and 02 mask-tab leather.
The masks that were used with these helmets (and which came with the specimens I have received) are standard US spec (original) MS22001 masks, manufactured in the USA by the MSA Company; manufacture dates of the masks I received are 73/74/75. The helmet manufacture dates (of the PK-07 examples) appear to be in the late 70s and early 80s (!). I am attaching a number of images of these helmets showing various details and views. I hope that this is of interest to those of you who find you are especially interested in the early USAF type protective helmet design.
As I said, having a fairly good supply of these available from Miroslav in Serbia (which apparently were surplused out when Yugoslavia broke apart into its constituent national enclaves) almost takes the fun out of the seemingly endless scramble most of us are accustomed to engaging in, to acquire surviving specimens of the USAF originals. I must point out that the condition of these Yugoslavian Air Force PK-07 helmets and their component MS22001 masks in UNISSUED/NEW condition (aside from some extremely minor, almost insignificant deteriorations from storage over the years, they look brand new!).
Anyone with questions that these observations do not sufficiently address, feel free to contact me for further clarifications. As this is being sent to a few others outside the Flightgear Forum group, greetings to all concerned. Hope you have found this of interest.
Cheers, Chris Carey

PK-07 helmet with white edge beading © DocBoink

PK-07 helmet with black edge beading © DocBoink

Message 1419:
Gato:     Spoke too soon. It (the Yugoslav P-3) was waiting for me at the PO; picked it up just after I sent off the last email messaged to you. Three photos attached of the specimen I received. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was exactly as described by Miroslav (in VERY good condition), as affirmed by Zipper One. The helmet has a label that indicates it is a standard Selby Shoe Company shell, date of mfr being 1954. Curiously enough, the black edgeroll is almost identical to that used on the original US Army Air Force Type 1 Pilot's Protective Helmet (AKA: "P-1"), as is the mic connector boot (black rubber). The paint and finish of the shell is excellent, indicating excellent maintenance by personnel using and caring for these helmets. You can see the Yugoslav national (AF) emblem positioned on the shell forehead area where the USAF "winged star' emblem would normally go--sharp and completely intact. The head sling appears to be a Yugoslav adaptation of the USAF type (different color leather) and the neck strap and chin strap are also apparently of Yugoslav 'local' manufacture (olive colored web fabric). The com cord features a typical P-3 type U75/U type connector, but the cord itself is smaller in diameter and somewhat less robust than the USAF counterpart. The visor bar utilises the earliest 'Type 1' side latch and it is again in excellent condition. Interior sponge rubber pads are all in excellent condition (no crumbling or typical aging effects as found on many US specimens).  The MS22001 mask is identical to USAF types for the same period (1954), with same snap-tab suspension. Exhaust valve is identical to US (Sierra Engineering) type, as are the inlet (check) valves. There is no mic in the mask and it appears as if this component was removed for reuse on another mask or an updated model. Overall condition of the mask, hose, MC-3A connector is excellent (no aging effect are obvious, rubber is well preserved and supple). All in all, I'd say that this is an excellent price to pay for a "foreign" P-3 in non-updated, original early 50s condition. Those who got these units earlier at $100 or so, per specimen, REALLY got a great deal, I'd say. If these were sold on eBay presently they'd likely fetch well over $400 or more (with mask--probably closer to $500, at least). The helmet and mask came extremely well protected and packaged with obvious care--delivery was speedy and quite expeditious (took about a week only, from departure in Serbia to arrival on this end). I am well pleased with Miroslav's offerings, based on this experience. And that's about all I have for you on this initial assessment (as I said, the helmet arrived today, just a few hours ago).     Cheers, (a happy) DocBoink

Message 1302:
To all who have been following the matter of the former Yugoslavian AF P-3 helmets on the forum: Christian Brydges provided some photos of a P-3 specimen he received from Miroslav Sekulic that clearly showed his helmet to have been produced in Yugoslavia (presumably under license). It featured identification and maker markings that were of Yugoslavian origin (hence, it would be natural to assume that all former Yugoslavian Air Force P-3 helmets were of Yugoslav manufacture). Miroslav notes that the Yugoslav P-3 specimen he is sending me has a maker's label identifying it as being of Selby Shoe Company manufacture (hence, clearly  a "made in the USA" product). He also notes in passing that after 46 years, this particular helmet is finally returning to its land of origin. From all of this information, we may now safely conclude that both Yugoslav-made and US-made P-3 helmets were used by the former Yugoslavian Air Force personnel. Interesting, no? Cheers, DocBoink

Message 1139:
Good morning all, Well, the photos provided of the interior (head sling details) of the type Yugoslav P-3 appears to resolve the question of their origin: Yugoslav manufacture (probably under license, with American defense concurrence). As such, they are potentially of even more interest than the conventional US-made P-3. Zipper-1's positive experiences with Miroslav, in combination with my own impressions and those of others who have expressed opinions on this subject, suggest to me that Miroslav is about to be inundated with requests for his helmets!   Cheers, DocBoink

Message 1133:
Hi Bluelight, I have had a couple of helmets from Miroslav over the last two months and there has been no problem getting them from Yugoslavia to the UK. The disappointment is for Miroslav at the moment as I owe him a helmet and mask but all Parcel Post to Yugoslavia has been suspended since last November from here! To send money to Miroslav is quite easy from your own bank but may cost you up to 20% in charges! Here is a couple of shots of one of the helmets I got from him. Zipper One.

Message 1124:
Bluelight 14, I have been in communications recently with Miroslav about his helmets. Miroslav appears to be a very good young Serbian man who is a keen aviation enthusiast. An attached photograph shows a (former) Yugoslav pilot wearing a P-3 used by the Yugoslav Air Force (in the 50s), preparing to make a flight in one of their NAA F-86D interceptors. Another photo shows a closer photo of the type of P-3 helmet that Miroslav is offering. Miroslav seems entirely trustworthy and we have communicated frequently in past week about aviation matters. I have already sent off for one of his P-3/MS22001 sets and will let you all know the results when they it arrives. He has other helmets, as well, apparently, but the P-3 sets are virtually identical to the equivalent USAF counterparts flown in the early 50s. Hope this information is helpful. The attached photos, although of marginal quality, are fascinating. DocBoink out.