HGU-55/P

FIGHTER / ATTACK FLIGHT HELMET

The HGU-55/P fighter/attack flight helmet is designed to offer protection for

today’s high performance aircraft. Designed as a platform for eye protection,
oxygen masks, communications, and various helmet mounted devices, the
HGU-55/P series is a versatile helmet available in several configurations.

The standard HGU-55/P with a fiberglass or Kevlar shell is ideal for

multi-place aircraft and trainers. A lightweight version constructed with
Graphite/Aramid material utilizes an improved shell design to reduce
head-borne weight by approximately 4 ounces while maintaining its
strength. The Lightweight HGU-55/P helmet is designed to meet the rigorous
demands of a High-G environment.

Gentex also produces a Lightweight HGU-55/P Combat Edge version,

which incorporates an air bladder behind the liner, high speed visors, and
anti snag receiver spacers for the ultimate high-speed, high-G environment
helmet.

HELMET SYSTEMS 324 Main Street • Simpson, PA 18407 USA • T: (570) 282-3550 • F: (570) 282-8555 www.gentexcorp.com
 Specially designed to improve tolerance to high-G maneuvers and prevent
G-induced loss of consciousness (GLOC), the COMBAT EDGE helmet is the standard
for all U.S. Air Force F-15 and F-16 aircrew. This technologically advanced ensemble
provides pilots with a decisive edge in combat by providing greater endurance
during high-performance maneuvers up to +9 Gs while reducing fatigue that can
compromise mission performance. The Gentex HGU-55/P COMBAT EDGE helmet is
delivered with the bladder installed, the shell predrilled for NVG mounts, features our
High Speed Visor Kit and X Liner, and includes anti-snag bayonet receivers, reducing
technician time and cost during helmet buildup. While COMBAT EDGE does not
replace the straining maneuver of tensing the upper body muscles and abdomen
normally used during high-G flight, it significantly reduces the effort required to
execute it and results in the ability to perform more high-G missions per day.

Standard Configurations & Optional Helmet Components

• Edge Roll: A soft leather edge roll covers an open cell foam core around the
entire periphery of the shell for a comfortable fit, and reduces the amount of noise
that enters the helmet. Visor buffers and bump stops are cemented to the shell to
provide for stowing of the visor and to protect the shell surface during visor
operation.

• Energy Absorbing Liner: Energy absorbing, expanded polystyrene beads pressure

molded to match the dimensions of the shell, the liner provides the primary impact
absorbing medium.

• Liners
• TPL® liner: The Thermo Plastic Liner is the original custom fit liner in use since
1983. This is a thermo plastic inner core of several layers with a removable and
washable padded cover.
• SCL® Liner: The Super Comfort Liner utilizes the same thermoplastic core layers
for custom fitting, but includes a much more plush cover for increased comfort.
• X Liner™: For the ultimate in comfort, we offer commercially the X Liner helmet
comfort liner. An optional helmet component, the X Liner consists of two separate
densities of comfort foam, the inner is soft and pliable for comfort and the outer
is more dense for improved protection. The X Liner has a unique shape to allow
airflow which increases heat dissipation by almost 50% over previous liner
systems. The cover is constructed with revolutionary X-Static® fabric which is
anti-microbial. The X Liner is more stable, lighter, and more comfortable than
currently available liners.

• Communications: Communications are built to each customer’s requirement, but

include standard plastic earcups for maximum noise attenuation in high noise
environments. We also offer an optional leather covered earpad for greater comfort.
• Integrated Chin/Nape: A one piece strap assembly is threaded through the shell
and adjusts at the chin strap. Cross straps threaded through the nape strap pad
adjust simultaneously with the chin strap to provide a snug yet comfortable fit
ensuring helmet stability and retention, especially when night vision goggles are
attached.

• Visors: In addition to the standard clear and neutral gray visors, the HGU-55/P
series has several optional upgrade visor options.
• Gradient: This visor allows the unique ability to have the sun protection of a
neutral visor along the top, while leaving the higher light transmittance of a
clear lens along the lower portion to make it easier to read gauges.
• High Contrast: The High Contrast Visor (HCV) utilizes blue blocker technology
to provide better vision in hazy, foggy, overcast conditions, by blocking blue
light wavelengths, enhancing objects or other aircraft in these low visibility
conditions.
• Amber: The yellow color Amber lens is less expensive and provides a lower
level of performance than the HCV.
• Laser: Laser visors are available in several different wavelengths and levels of
protection, depending on the customer’s requirement.

• High Speed Versions: The Lightweight HGU-55/P series also has available a
High-Speed version of each of these visors. This High-Speed version comes in
a MBU-20/P mask trim, and incorporates modified straps and spacers, and a
friction strip that allows these visors to remain in place during higher speed
ejections.

• Oxygen Mask Receivers: Lightweight oxygen mask bayonet receivers are available
in either metallic (bead blasted), or black finish.

• Anti-snag Receiver Mount: As an additional upgrade, Gentex offers a snag

resistant bayonet receiver mount that reduces the hazard of a riser catching on
the bayonet receivers during an ejection.

• HGU-55/P series Performance: The HGU-55/P series will meet the performance
requirements of MIL-H-87174 “Helmet, Flyers, HGU-55/P”.

• Impact Energy Attenuation: The HGU-55/P series helmet assembly with a TPL,
SCL, or X Liner installed, limits the acceleration imparted on a test head form to
less than 400G with an input energy of 35 foot-pounds, single impact,
hemispherical anvil, using ANSI Z90.1 methodology as specified in MIL-H-87174.

• Windblast Protection: When tested as specified in MIL-H-87174, the complete

 helmet assembly does not tear away from the head form, loosen or break during
windblast velocities of 450 knots (+/- 20 knots) equivalent air speed (KEAS) at
these attitudes:
• Head on
• 45˚ yaw to the right
• 45˚ yaw to the left
• 30˚ pitch to the aft

• Penetration Resistance: The helmet assembly with energy absorbing liner limits
penetration of a 16 oz. test bob into the shell to not more than 0.250 inch from a
drop height of 10 feet when tested in accordance with MIL-H-87174.

• Visors: Gentex visors are made of polycarbonate and meet all the performance
requirements of MIL-V-43511. They have an abrasion resistant coating on the front
and rear surfaces in accordance with MIL-C-83409. The high speed visors have
been windblast and sled tested at speeds exceeding 600 knots equivalent air
speed (KEAS). All Gentex visors provide 99% protection from UV (a), (b), and (c).
See the different options listed above.

• Weight*
Lightweight HGU-55/P
Medium 2.23lb (1.013 kg)
Large 2.37lb (1.076 kg)
X Large 2.48lb (1.126 kg)

*Weight includes painted shell, leather edge roll, buffer leather, lens stops, visor
snap fasteners, energy absorbent liner, oxygen mask receivers, chin/nape strap,
TPL liner and internal communications. Weight does not include oxygen mask or
visor cover.

For commercial orders contact:

Mark Jones (570) 282-8504 mjones@gentexcorp.com
For international distributors, please visit www.gentexcorp.com

TPL®, SCL® and X Liner™ are registered trademarks of Gentex® Corporation. © GENTEX® CORPORATION 2006
Gentex® Corporation is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company. GTX 09/06-55P-V2