A Short History of the HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet

I first began to see the HGU-56/P rotary wing helmet on Task Force 160 crews in the mid- 90s as it began to replace the Vietnam-era SPH-4 series of flight helmets.

Developed by Gentex and the US Army to support the US Army Air Soldier Program, it offers reduced weight and bulk while maintaining impact protection during extend missions. In fact, over the years, impact protection has only improved thanks to the Energy Attenuating Liner. Coincidentally, the EAL also moves the head slightly forward in the helmet resulting in a 3° field of view increase. Such improvements have also decreased the weight by 50 g from the early helmets.

The helmet includes dual visors with dark outer and clear inner lenses. Recently, Gentex has adopted the ARC rails developed for their ground helmets to the HGU-56/P. Additionally, a new comfort suspension system is on the horizon which will keep this venerable helmet relevant for years to come.  

Seen above is the optional mandible which is quite popular with aircrew who must mean out of the aircraft in flight.

To learn more, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/gentex-hgu-56-p-rotary-wing-helmet-system.

This entry was posted
on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 at 09:00 and is filed under Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets.
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