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Helmet, Flying, Type HGU-55/P, United States Air Force

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufacturer
Gentex Corporation
Pilot
Maj Nicole M. E. Malachowski
Physical Description
United States Air Force Thunderbirds plastic protective Type HGU-55/P flying helmet; molded stylized red flames on a white helmet with four blue star pattern in between flames; red plastic visor cover with smoke gray plastic lens; U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds insignia on back of helmet (royal blue phoenix with yellow beak and eye, red disk for a body with a white five point star, four royal blue upper profiles of F-16 formation on white star; visor; grey leather lens cover with red embroidered lettering and insignia; black velcro chin strap; internal David Clark headphones; microphone plug left.
Summary
The Gentex HGU-55/P is the standard issue protective flying helmet for the United States Air Force. The helmet is light weight and provides improved peripheral vision from previous helmet designs. The helmet was customized for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with the unit insignia molded into the exterior shell of the helmet.
This particular helmet was worn by Maj. Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot chosen to fly with Thunderbirds. She performed at over 140 events in the Number 3 slot during the 2006-2007 flying season.
Credit Line
Gift of Nicole Malachowski, USAF Thunderbird #3, 2006-2007
2006-2007
Inventory Number
A20080402000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear
Materials
Outer Shell: Fiberglass
Ear Padding: Leather
Lining: Styrofoam
Dimensions
3-D: 25.4 x 24.1 x 30.5cm (10 x 9 1/2 x 12 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Hangar
Boeing Aviation Hangar
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A20080402000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv94dd261d1-3391-4c74-9cdf-223677046dec

Related Content

  • Military Personal Items

    Air and Space Museum
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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