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| Pic1: Gentex HGU-56/P |
The HGU-56/P flight helmet is a state of the art helicopter helmet system that is capable of more than just protecting your ears against loud helicopter noises. Here a brief insight in a simple construction with smart features:
History
Introduced in 1995 the Head Gear Unit 56 Personal (or short HGU-56/P) was an attempt to improve the older SPH-4B that had a lack of capabilities for more modern upcoming mission profiles with its specific needs. The shell was molded from a new mixture of Spectra and Graphite making it lightweight and rugged.
Visors
Remarkable about the double visor system is the curving of the housing and the visors themselfes. While the SPH-4B had a relatively strong curved visor system that tended to get jammed or didn´t run that smooth as it should, the HGU-56/P uses a more even visor system (see Picture 1). The visors are now only side actuated with no more screwable visor knob. Available are as well as prior with the SPH-4B a clear, smoked, high contrast and laser protective visors.
Retention System
The retention system has been improved by making it more simple and easy accessible for ALSE technicians. With the SPH-4B it was quite a deal to separate the earcup from the retension system as it was molded in. The HGU-56/P uses velcro on the cup (hook) and the retention system (loop) to fasten it in place (see Picture 2). The stability comes through the retention that creates a compression from outside against the head with the earcup in between. This means the same stability combined with less effort to clean or maintain the earcup/retention system.
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| Pic2: The inner retention system with the verlcro fastened earcups |
Integrated Ventilation System
All new is the integrated ventilation system. This gives the wearer the possibility to connect his helmet to the aircrafts air conditioning system (if present). The plug of the aircon plugs in at the socket on the backside of the helmet (see Picture 3) and pumps the air through a flat tube that reaches from there up to the crown of the head (see Picture 4) where two holes in the tubes let the air flow thorugh the liner´s holes (see Picture 5) and in case the wearer uses a Thermo Plastic Liner (TPL) as far as the head of the aviator itself. This ensures comfortable conditions inside the helmet and helps prevent the aviator from getting exhausted in hot environments.
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| Pic3: Socket for the integrated ventilation system on the back of the helmet |
Maxillofacial Shield (MFS)
The MFS is an invention that came on the market with the HGU-56/P and has its purpose in protecting the aviators or crew chiefs face against the rotor wash and possible FOD while operating the helicopter with open doors or windows. It is ballistic and when attached and the visor is down the whole face is covered (see Pictures 1 and 6). It also helps improving the communications as it lowers the overall noise from outside that reaches the microphone as the MFS also covers the mic boom. The shield is attached to the helmet just by one clasp on each side that is screwed to the helmet (see Picture 7). It simply snaps into those and stays safe in place.
In addition to the objective technical use it can also be a moral boost for the aircrews as many crewmembers customize their MFS´s with "Darth Vader" motives or "Hulk" faces.
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| Pic6: The ballistic MFS of the helmet |
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| Pic7: Clasp side attachement of the MFS to the helmet |
Communications Ear Plugs (CEP)
The CEP kit (see Pictures 8 and 9) is a great innovation that helps aircrew members to protect their hearing even more effective and get clearer radio communications at the same time. In the past better hearing protection meant inserting standard ear plugs which reduced the sound level of the earphones and with it the communication capabilities. The CEP on the other hand plugs in a pre-mounted socket at the back of the helmet (see Pictures 10 and 11) and is then inserted in the ears as regular ear plugs. Simply put, they are nothing else than your standard MP3 Player earphones except that they are made for poor conditions that aviators often face. The CEP kit itself cost less than 200$ and can be used if needed. If not needed the helmet communication will work just as normal as the CEP is just an addition to the built in speakers. The wiring and plugs can also be used on other helmets or even headsets that are prepared for CEP use ("CEP ready") what makes them a good buy for aviators concerning that the loss or damage of hearing is a great risk in helicopter operations.
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| Pic8: CEP kit consisting of wiring and replaceable earplugs |
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| Pic9: CEP wiring with attached earplugs |
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| Pic10: CEP socket on the backside of the helmet ("CEP ready") |
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| Pic11: CEP wiring attached (plugged in) to the helmet |
As a conclusion it can be said that the Aircrew Integrated Helmet System HGU-56/P is a step forward in concerns of safety and comfort for the aircrew members out in the world. It will stay in the cockpit for the next years as the upgrades for this helmet range from OPS-CORE rails to even helmet mounted displays that extend the capabilities of this proven helmet system. Therefore the helmet is very versatile.
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