Russo-Ukrainian War: The ZSh-7 Flight Helmet

Source: Reddit

     A pilot belonging to the 39th. Tactical Aviation Brigade, wearing a ZSh-7 flight helmet. The helmet entered service in 1987 and is designed for pilots of the Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum). In 1990, the ZSh-7AP helmet appeared for both MiG-29 pilots and pilots of the Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name Flanker). The 39th. was initially equipped with the MiG-29 until December 2008 when it transitioned to the Su-27 which the unit still flies to this day.

     The main difference between the ZSh-7 and the ZSh-7AP is the latter features a front bracket “out of the box” to which NVE (Night Vision Equipment) can be mounted or the Shchel-3UM-1 target designator. The Shchel-3UM-1, which entered service in 1981, is used with the Vympel R-73 AAM (Air-to-Air Missile; NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) permits the pilot to simply look at the intended target and the R-73 will be guided towards it. This keeps the pilot's head out of the cockpit and allows for “off-boresight” attacks. The Shchel-3UM-1 is also backwards compatible with the older Vympel R-60 AAM (NATO reporting name AA-8 Aphid).

     That this helmet is a ZSh-7 is because the bracket seen is affixed to his helmet using an adhesive or is secured using screws on the inside of the helmet. An issued ZSh-7AP uses a bracket that is mounted higher up on the shell and is secured using screws.

     The hose resting on his shoulder and running up into the back of his helmet connects to a occipital bladder. The hose connects to the port coming out of the left side of his KM-34 oxygen mask. This port can swivel and usually is pointed to face to the rear to allow for easier connection of the hose. When the pilot pulls high “G” maneuvers, the oxygen system will automatically inflate the bladder which pushes the pilot's head forward, pressing the oxygen mask to his face. This ensures the mask is fully sealed and tight against the face to maintain maximum oxygen flow to the pilot. This is vital as such maneuvers can shift a mask around, letting oxygen leak out. Without adequate oxygen, G-LOC (G-induced Loss Of Consciousness) can occur as the blood supply is pushed away from the head by the G-forces. The result is cerebral hypoxia which is essentially oxygen starvation. The bladder inflation makes sure the mask is tightly secured to the face and the rubber portion of the KM-34 mask forms a complete seal. Thus, there is no loss of oxygen to the pilot and this prevents a blackout.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System

Source: inukraine_official on Instagram

     A Ukrainian WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) seated in the forward cockpit of a Mil Mi-24 (NATO reporting name Hind) helicopter gunship. He is wearing a decorated Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System, a popular flight helmet for Ukrainian Mi-24 pilots and WSOs rather than the vintage Soviet-era ZSH-3B helmets from the 1980s.

     The HGU-56/P has a weight of 2.95 pounds and features a Gentex attenuating liner within a graphite/aramid fiber shell. The liner not only reduces the effects of impact forces but is also shaped in such a way that the wearer's head is kept forward, increasing the field of view by 3 degrees (in comparison to similar helmets). While seemingly a very small number, the boosted view arc can mean the difference between spotting or not spotting a threat to the helicopter. The HGU-56/P uses a lightweight retention system the allows it to be compatible with HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) units, communication systems, and even oxygen delivery systems.

     The WSO has added the Gentex Maxillofacial Shield (MFS) for the HGU-56/P which is an optional add-on. The MFS weighs only 5 ounces but protects the wearer's lower face from flying debris (such as that kicked up by rotor wash) and can even resist fragmentation traveling at no more than 550 feet per second. Another benefit to the MFS is that the helmet's microphone (fitted to the left side of the helmet) is placed behind the MFS which reduces the ambient noise thereby enhancing clarity.

     Another piece of optional kit the WSO has on his helmet is a Wilcox DPAM (Dual Powered Aviation Mount) utilized for NVGs (Night Vision Goggles). On the back is a quick release plate which fits to the helmet. The DPAM uses a Lemo 4-pin connector which allows the NVG connected to the mount to run off the helicopter's power or, if need be, the DPAM has its own power supply via batteries to operate the NVG. The Lemo connector can be seen on the right side of the DPAM while the lever in the center of the mount is the switch for external power or battery power.

     While the “MILF Operator” patch and the other morale patches need little explanation, the WSO has drawn the chemical symbol for epinephrine on his helmet, better known as adrenaline.