Mk3c manufacturers

[Loski]

Hi im trying to find out who made the Mk3c helmets used by the RAF as I have one and Im trying to date I was hoping that they would know when it was made by the ser no.
Graham

[RAFEngO74to09]

Pretty sure it's Alpha - now part of Gentex - who make the latest helmets as well.

https://gentexcorp.com/alpha/alpha-900-cross-platform-helmet-systems/

[John Eacott]

I believe the Mk 2 and Mk 3 were produced by Helmets Ltd, but it was a long time ago!


If you are interested, here are the Instructions for Fitting and Maintenance (http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/2358-1/Mk2A+instructions.pdf) for the 2A.

[Innominate]

I believe the Mk 2 and Mk 3 were produced by Helmets Ltd, but it was a long time ago!

IIRC, Helmets Ltd produced the Advanced Lightweight Protective Helmoet for Aircrew (ALPHA) and were eventually taken over. It seems more than a coincidence that Alpha is a brand or subsidiary of Gentex

[RAFEngO74to09]

Summary of evolution of RAF flying helmets here from the Mk 1A to the Alpha 700:

http://www.flightgear.dk/rafhelmets.htm

At some stage I believe Helmets Ltd became Alpha Helmets Ltd and then were subsumed into Gentex later.
Using the Contact Us form on the Alpha site might yield confirmation.

[Rosevidney1]

I seem to remember my Mk 1 had the name Frankenstein Ltd in it . May have been made in Manchester - but my memory is unreliable at best!

[Innominate]

Frankenstein was indeed in Manchester. They also produced immersion suits and pressure suits https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-frankenstein-helped-put-a-man-979341

[Stitchbitch]

Frankenstein became Beaufort and ML Lifeguard and are now part of Survitec. Helmets Ltd became Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd and are now owned by Gentex. I wonder how much longer it will be before they kill off ALPHA and the U.K. gets the standard HGU helmet (as flown in the new T6). OP, give Gentex a call at Stranraer, they may know the answer, otherwise you may have to strip it down, the DoM was sometimes drawn on the inside of the shell, along with the name of the lady who assembled it.

[Loski]

Thanks Guys I will try Gentex failing that has anyone got a manual for a MK3c as Im going into helmet striping and reassembly ,I suppose it wont hurt to clean it while im at it.

[peppermint_jam]

Aren't the dates of manufacture stamped or written behind the pad that sits across the forehead? Could be wrong....