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.

A modification kit known as PRU-36/P visor housing kit is to provide the same improvement in upward visibility as the gullwing cut on the single visor housing.  It can be supplied with tinted, gradient, clear or anti laser visors.

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 example is in very good service used condition, and consists of a HGU-26/P Flight Helmet with a single tinted visor, an MS-22001 Oxygen Mask, and a great early 1950s helmet bag. The helmet itself has a lovely aged white color, with PHANTOM-1 stenciled on the back and blue crosses to each side. A great avenue for further research. The visor still slides down by use of the handle knob, which is still present and functional.

The interior of the helmet is in overall good condition, showing heavy service wear, however it is not falling apart like so many we see are. The underlying styrofoam shows heavy discoloration and wear, but the leather covered pads are still relatively soft, and the ear cups are still soft as well, though they do show some cracking and deterioration. Size is relatively small, probably about a 7 1/8 or smaller. The cable from the earphones is cut off at the nape.

The mask is in fair condition, and is marked for Sierra Engineering Co. in 1969. It still has the correct adapter harness for attaching it to the helmet, and the cable from the integral microphone is still present.  The BAG, PROTECTIVE, HELMET is not nylon and instead an earlier material, the bag dating to the 1950s. The bag is very scarce to see on its own. The bag is inscribed on one side with GREENBERG, a great research opportunity to identify the pilot.

Flight helmets issued to jet pilot helmets during the Vietnam war are very hard to find! Comes ready for further research and display.