December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 257:
Description
US Navy HGU-2A/P Pilot Flight Helmet, presented as a complete assembly with an oxygen mask and clear squadron provenance. The HGU-2A/P helmet was the primary high-altitude protective headgear used by US naval aviators during the Vietnam War and into the Cold War era.
The helmet shell displays a striking, high-visibility custom squadron paint scheme, utilizing alternating broad stripes of day-glo fluorescent red-orange and white/cream over the dome. This distinctive pattern is indicative of a specific unit, often for safety and identification. The paint shows authentic operational wear, scuffing, and minor chipping consistent with service use. The helmet retains its functional dark tinted visor in its original housing, complete with a blue lock knob.
The interior provides specific provenance linking the helmet to a named naval unit. The suspension system is hand-marked with text that includes VAH-3 and Sanford, confirming association with Heavy Attack Squadron 3, which operated A-3 Skywarriors and later served as the East Coast Replacement Air Group RAG for A-5 Vigilantes out of NAS Sanford, Florida, during the 1960s. The helmet assembly is complete with a green corrugated breathing hose and a communications connector. The attached oxygen mask is a standard naval model, secured via its quick-release bayonets and retaining its canvas straps, showing light scuffing and service patina. This helmet is a superb, identifiable, and complete piece of Cold War Naval Aviation history.
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