Sierra 793 in Finnish service
Message 1628, Mar 30, 2001:
Another interesting US variant design (eBay item 1126211415--Finnish helicopter aircrew
helmet made by Sierra Engineering in Montecito, CA). Sierra apparently did not offer these
special custom configurations in the US market. The internal head harness is indeed based
on the SPH-3B type sling and the earphone mounts appear to be, as pointed out, similar to
the APH-6 type (and also used by China in its TK-2 type helmets--probably modeled after
the US system), with different coms. I have friends in the Satakunta Lennosto (FAF) but
never saw one of these while visiting that squadron in Finland; they must have gone out of
use well before my visit (in 1992). The Mi-8s that were in use during my visit had other
helmets in use by their crews. All in all, another fascinating variant model. Thanks to
Hud for bringing it to our attention. Cheers, DocBoink
----- Original Message -----
Hi Ron,
That is also an interesting helmet you pointed out (eBay item no. 1126211415). It looks as
if it is based on an APH-6 type helmet with those earphone adjustment disks on the
side and edge profile around the nape, but the comms system is different with the
plug coming out on the left side. Also, this helmet has a strap suspension assembly which
none of the APH-6 types in Jet Age Flight Helmets seem to have (they do not have the
necessary screws on the exterior). Cheers, Chris