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loflyn
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 Posted: Nov 02, 2005 - 02:48 AM
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Regular User
Joined: Oct 12, 2005
Posts: 21
Status: Offline
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| Got an off the wall Raptor question here... Raptor drivers were supposed to get the new HGU-86/P helmet. This was supposed to provide better protection in case of high speed ejections, etc. And in photos, the pilots at Edwards appeared to use them. But in all the photos I've seen from Langley, Tyndall and Nellis the pilots appear to be using the older HGU-55 equipment. Did somebody change their mind? |
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Sponsor
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 Posted: Sep 05, 2008 - 6:53 AM
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WILZ
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Posted: Nov 02, 2005 - 03:16 AM
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 03, 2004
Posts: 285
Location: Southern Dude
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swanee
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Posted: Nov 02, 2005 - 04:17 AM
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Elite
Joined: Jan 25, 2005
Posts: 530
Location: newport news, Va
Status: Offline
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| Perhaps the life support shops at Langley, Tyndall and Nellis haven't been updated yet. |
_________________
Life is too short for ugly sailboats, fat women and bad beer!
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TenguNoHi
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Posted: Nov 02, 2005 - 04:43 AM
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Elite
Joined: Sep 29, 2004
Posts: 922
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TC worked Life Support at Tyndall while the F-22s were there. Im sure he'll chime in with the answer in minutes...
-Aaron |
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TC
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Posted: Nov 02, 2005 - 06:18 AM
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Elite
Joined: Jan 14, 2004
Posts: 2450
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...and as if on cue...
I actually worked ACLS on Eagles for a short time at Tyndall, before I went Reserve, and did the same job on Vipers. I was a civilian in the Raptor program, working computers with LM.
Anyway, my biography aside, yes, the pilots are wearing Combat Edge capable 55/P helmets. They will eventually have lugs for the JHMCS or for NVGs. Honestly, I'm not that familiar with the 86/Ps, as they weren't operational before I got out. We didn't even have any specs on the 86/P in any of our TOs.
However, here is what I do know. The 55/P shells are made by Gentex. The 86/P shells are made by Flight Helmets Ltd. The only explanation I could think of is that the AF has a contract with Gentex, and may not be in a position to take a second low bid contract for a single helmet type.
If you saw a pilot at Edwards wearing one, that means it is being tested. Possibly it could become operational in the near future.
The 55/P CEs are perfectly good helmets, IMHO. The pilots most likely brought their own helmets with them, as they transitioned into the 43rd FS, as they do when they transfer into any other fighter squadron.
Sorry I couldn't help you more with this. I didn't build gear for the Raptor guys, and this equipment was barely on the drawing board while I was in.
Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded! |
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