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 headgears 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. Furthermore during the late 60's, flight tests were performed to verify the suitability of a full face "Clam Shell'' helmet designed to eliminate the oxygen mask and to give better protection during ejection.

This example is a later version of the APH-6 series and is the model APH-6D. On 25 April 1969 the MIL-H-22995(Wep) specification is updated to MIL-H-22995A(AS).

As a result two new versions of the APH-6 series of helmet, the APH-6C and APH-6D are introduced, APH-6C being a double-visor version and APH-6D a single-visor version. The main changes introduced were a new two-part styrene energy absorbing liner, smaller earcups with plastic-covered earpads and smaller fitting pads. (Federal Stock Number for APH-6C size medium and large assigned on 1 May 1970, for APH-6D size large on 18 February 1972, and size medium on 2 March 1972).

Its shell is constructed of a polyester impregnated fiberglass cloth laminate and the visor shield/locking mechanism was the same as the APH-5’s later version as well as the internal liners and earphone fixation system. The APH-6 shell introduced the new and unique "Butterfly" retention and release assembly used to secure the oxygen mask.

The back of the shell has a tag reading:

RQA-8475-078-4738-LF50
SIZE LARGE
N383-93646A
GENTEX CORPORATION

The shell is in good condition with much of the original paint. The shield cover features a beautiful set of Navy pilot wings with the word NAVY just below it. The back of the helmet is stenciled 51, possibly a squadron or aircraft number. The interior has unfortunately degraded to time. The padding has become extremely brittle and flaky, and the microphone is missing. The visor is still retained, thankfully. 

This is truly a wonderful example and comes ready to display!