Original Item: Only One Available. At the end of the 50's the APH series helmets introduced a new generation of flight helmets characterized by the external visor covered with a protective shield. Improvement of the communication system, internal liner and oxygen mask retainers was also made and in some versions the dual dark and transparent visors system was installed. These types of helmets were the US Navy and USMC standard jet aircraft headgear during the 60's and throughout the 70's. In this period the first development of a flight helmet incorporating the Visual Target Acquisition System (VTAS I) was also made.

In the late 1960s the APH-6 helmet was issued in an improved single-visor version designated APH-6A and a double-visor version designated APH-6B. (Federal Stock Number for APH-6B size large assigned on 16 March 1968, size medium 13 April 1968). The main change in the APH-6A seems to be a new type of earphone installation method where the attachment screw is inserted through a plastic disc covering a larger hole in the helmet, thus allowing more freedom of movement for adjusting the earphones to individual pilots. Other changes include nylon visor tracks. The APH-6B has the same changes as the APH-6A but features a ramshorn double-visor. Helmets produced by Gentex have three-piece ramshorn visors and helmets produced by Sierra have one-piece ramshorn visors. It is noteworthy that the change from APH-6 to APH-6A and -B was not spurred by a specification change.

This example of a totally genuine APH-6B is offered in nice condition. It features a wonderful design with green and orange tape striped on the front, a retractable tint visor and a retractable clear visor, internal earphones and boom without mic. The foam from the liner is drying out and will dust if touched too much, but otherwise offered in great condition. The exterior of the helmet is painted gray with a black star on both sides.

This is a wonderful example of a helmet worn by Navy and Marine pilots during the Vietnam War. Comes ready to display!