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H-4

 

The H-4 was a development of the H-3 and was integrated in 1954 into the Swiss AF evaluation procedure for a new jet pilot helmet. 

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As the H-3, the helmet is formed by an outer hardshell and a cloth inner liner fitted with communications equipment and oxygen mask "snap-on" fittings. The rigid shell is constructed of a fiberglass cloth reinforced with epoxy resin and features six reinforcing ridges. Unlike the H-3, where the ridges met in a star on the crown of the helmet shell, the ones of the H-4 met in a round elevated area.

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Other shell differences, the headsling adjustment system, like the one later installed on the H-5 where only the rear part of the headband is adjustable; the front shape lowered for increased protection and stability.

   

As for the H-3, the inner liner was secured to the shell by "pull the dot" snap fasteners on the cheek flaps and in some cases with additional straps attached to snap fasteners fitted in front and in the back of the shell;

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At low altitude communications made through a M-6A/UR boom mike, above this A-13A or A-14 oxygen masks were used.

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USN helmets were painted gold because it was found that this colour provides efficient thermal protection against solar radiation. Other colours (except white) have a tendency to make the helmet warm and therefore uncomfortable. 

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With aging, the H-4 hardshell has a tendency to turn green, due to the presence of (oxidized) copper particles in the paint.Copper was supposed, due to its high reflectivety to radar pulses, to be of help with the search and rescue of ditched pilots. ​

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Connected to the comm harness of the pictured helmet a Swiss made comm adapter, which adapt US (PL-54/ JK-26 and PL 291/ JJ-048) comm system to UK Type 671 plug. 

 

More about the H-4 on the Swiss AF 1950 evaluation page.