Army pilot equipment question

[Helmut Mann]

Hello any army pilots out there, here's a question for you:

Recent articles in aviation mags show RAAF crew wearing what I think is an Alpha Helmet (lime green with black visor cover) but a photo in same mag of army S-70 crew shows the army drivers wearing what appears to be an HGU-56 helmet.

Can any army pilots confirm the army-issue helmet on all helos is now the HGU-56?

I think the AJs used to wear the Alpha also; if so anyone want to comment on the relative pros and cons of the two?

I realise this might be seen as nerd-material - please indulge me with sensible replies!!!!!

[Tightly Wound]

Yes Army had the Alpha and now use the 56. Don't know what the RAAF use.

Both do the job. If you have a thin head, then the 56 helps you with a ridiculous impression of Dark Helmet from Spaceballs....or so my colleagues tell me. I guess that is a con.

TW

[Helmut Mann]

Yeah I can see what you mean. Presumably the shape means more protection/less golden BBs getting at ya melon...???

[globallocal]

Helmut.

You ask for sensible answers but insult the green machines fraternity buy calling us "AJs". Yes sticks and stones...blah,blah.
Most probably why no one from the frat has replied to your question.
Now you can ask nicely!!

[Trojan1981]

AJs

I dunno, 'AJ' seems to be a more accepted term in the BN these days. I do remember it starting more than a few drunken fisty cuffs not to many years ago.

[Helmut Mann]

No offence intended by the use of "AJ". My humble and profuse apologies to anyone who was irritated by it. I thought it was a term of endearment these days! By the way, can you tell me WHEN the switch between helmets was made? And WHY (since the RAAF still use the Alpha in a similar role) ?

[mechchick]

The Alpha's are used for training on small Helo's (Kiowa's), we also wear them as test flight crew techo's on BH's.

I think it has something to do with NVG's, but all the BH drivers and sandbags (loadmasters!) all wear HGU's..

Would have to ask someone in ALS for more info, doesn't Jane's tell you?!

The MRH and ARH have different helmets again..but thats because they have lots of electronic goodies in them

[Capt Under Pants]

From memory I think we swapped over to the 56Ps in 2000. The reason was it's a better helmet. The lining of the helmet is molded to your head for a better fit and it has better hearing protection than the Alpha. Back in the early 90s we were all wearing the Alpha without EARS (hearing plugs). The Army did some tests then mandated all crews had to wear hearing plugs with the Alphas to reduce the noise exposure to crews.

[Helmut Mann]

Thank you for the replies. Do any army crew use the maxillo facial shield? Also is the general consensus that the HGU is an improvement on the Alpha? Thanks guys.....

[slow n low]

HM...

There are a few of us still wearing ALPHA's on Kiowa, ALS guys tell me they are short of some sizes in the 56P

Does not bother me really, my alpha is heaps more comfortable than the 56P I had for a while.

Some of the short guys look like "Dark Helmet" from spaceballs with a 56P on...