Army Air Force M-3 Steel Helmet

Saturday August 22nd, 2020 admin

The M-3 Flak helmet was the first helmet designed expressly for use by American bomber crews. The M-3 has large hinged ear covers on its sides to accommodate a communications headset; the covers were originally lined with felt. Unlike M-1 helmets, the M-3 features a built-in suspension system. The headband […]

APH-5 Helicopter Helmet (Vietnam War)

Sunday April 12th, 2020 admin

In 1958 the Army officially adopted its first flight helmet for aircrew members. Unofficially worn by some Army pilots since 1954, the Navy designed Aviator Protective Helmet Number 5, or APH-5, was the Army’s first attempt at providing a helmet “capable of ultimate protection and yet [be] comfortable.” The helmet […]

AFH-1 Helicopter Helmet (1968)

Saturday June 8th, 2019 admin

In 1962 the Army began developing an improved version of the APH-5. Combat experience in Vietnam led the Army to develop a flight helmet with better ballistic protection. Introduced in 1965, the new Anti-fragmentation Flight Helmet, or AFH-1, was fielded. Whereas the APH-5 was standard issue throughout the Army, the […]