NAVY HGU-20/P CLAMSHELL FLIGHT HELMET

Navy HGU-20/P Clamshell Flight Helmet. Manufactured by Robert Shaw Controls Company. These helmets entered fleet testing for the U.S. Navy in 1965 but were withdrawn from service in 1971 because it restricted the pilot's vision in combat. This helmet was also tested in the U.S. Air Force. While excellent for windblast protection in a high speed ejection, it was operationally unsuited for high-G air combat situations due to excessive weight, fouling of the chin-piece on parachute harness hardware, lack of adequate peripheral fields of vision and a tendency to leak around the rubber face seal. A modified version was used by NASA in the early space shuttle missions. Features of this helmet include a clear visor, gray visor, ear cups and an internal boom microphone. The hose that provides both electronic and oxygen connections has been removed. Also removed were the U.S. Navy decals, leaving behind the adhesive residue. An example of this helmet is located in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. With production of only 800, these helmets are rare and highly sought after by collectors. Recent helmets sold at auction have exceeded $5,000. Although missing the decals and hose, this helmet is in very fine condition. It comes with the nylon flight bag and replaceable foam inserts.