GSh-6, Soviet Flight Helmet
Hermetically Sealed for High-Altitude Flights

 

Notes: The GSh-6 outer shell comes in sizes 1M, 1B, 2M, 2B, 3M, and 3B.  M is for small and B is for Large.  The inner communications helmet (shlemofon), comes in sizes 1, 2, 3, and 4.  These sizes are as per the technical manual.  Also, the different variations of the GSh-6 are as follows:

  • GSh-6M - I believe this is the first model, labeled as "Modernized", composite metal neck ring with 6 lugs.  

  • GSh-6A - the first upgrade, gained the aluminum neck ring and put plastic on the face plate.

  • GSh-6LP - special variant - went to an 8 lug neck ring.

 Here is a brand new GSh-6A.  The first difference you'll note between this and the original GSh-6M is that the hose comes out the right side of the helmet on the A.  On the M, the oxygen hose connects to the left side.  The GSh-6A and GSh-6M both have six locking lugs on the neck ring. 

The GSh-6LP has 8 locking lugs - this helmet is mis-identified in the JAFH as the GSh-6AA.  There is no such helmet.

The visor on the GSh-6 is electrically heated to keep it from fogging.  It snaps down tightly onto a gasket surrounding the faceplate opening.  The locking neck-ring with rubber gasket (two variants - one, a latex very light rubber, and the second, a much more rigid gray rubber for higher altitude flights) is an integral part of the GSh-6 as it marries up with the altitude compensation suit to provide the complete pressure package.

The helmet does not have integrated communications, but it does have a T-shaped trench on the inside that marries up with the cloth insert helmet.  This helmet has a leather encased foam "T" that fits into the grooves on the inside of the helmet shell.  This cloth helmet has the integrated communications package - two headphones and a boom microphone on the right side.  The headphones are covered with soft lambskin. 

Here are the accessories that come with a newly issued GSh-6A.  They are the extra rubber neck ring inside the locking ring/skirt.  There is an extra latex rubber neck ring, just in case the rubber ring is not working (they are incredibly tight around the person's neck).  An extra wire (for the locking enclosure), a blue helmet carry bag, and the standard issue green wood box, round out the accessories.

According to the GSh-6 technical manual, the nomenclature on the neck ring is ChSh-6.  The nomenclature for the GSh-6 inner communications helmet simply seems to be "shlemofon".
You'll note in this picture that the helmet shell seems to be a little more yellow than white.  This is correct.  Some of these helmets have been repainted (by the Soviet Air Force).  The repainted helmets will be a bit more yellowed and a bit shinier than the original issue flat white.
Here's what the setup looks like put together with the VKK-6M.  Note the T-shaped foam attachment on the cloth helmet.

The lever you can see in this picture at the very lower right of the picture - lower left front of the helmet itself extends and retracts the visor.  The system works well as pressure integrity can be maintained while adjusting for sun brightness.


Here is an experimental GSh-6A.  Yes, what you see is what is actually there - a mirror finish on the inside of the glass visor.  It still has the dark partial visor that retracts by means of the lever on the left side of the helmet (on the right side of the picture).  From the inside, the helmet had a clear view, but from the outside, you can't see in - very high quality mirror finish.  I've only seen one of these and it was fairly expensive.

On the bottom picture you can see through the glass.  It still has the retractable dark visor and is fully operational otherwise.

This picture shows a side-by-side comparison between the GSh-6M (left) and GSh-6A (right) models.

The GSh-6M came before the GSh-6A (oddly enough).  It has the hose on the other side of the helmet from the A version. In the example that I was finally able to get my hands on (in less than stellar condition), it is missing the standard green airhose, which should be attached on the left side of the helmet (right side if you are looking from the front).  

You'll also note the heavy metal plate attached to the right side of the face-plate.  This was streamlined and minimized in the -A and -LP models.

The GSh-6M has six lugs, but the neck-ring is substantial and made from an alloy.  In the later models, it appears to made from aluminum or stainless steel.

You can see from the right side picture that the connection hoses are the same between all models - communications out, communications to the inner communications helmet, oxygen line, and air hose.

Here's a complete GSh-6M helmet set in what appears to be brand new condition.  Note the covers on the air line and oxygen feed hose.  Also, there does not appear to be any discoloration on the chamois of the inner communications helmet ear pad.  This helmet is from the collection of Ruben Rodriguez.

The GSh-6LP is quite similar to the GSh-6A.  The main distinguishing feature is the 8 locking lugs on the neck ring/8 locking pins on the helmet base.

Note the two different neck rings.  This is the standard issue for the GSh-6LP.  Additionally, there is one each extra rubber insert and extra electronics for the ring and helmet.  Finally, note the green cloth inner communications helmet.  This has soft lambskin lining for comfort. Each ring and the helmet comes in its own blue cloth (felt) bag.

Front view of a GSh-6LP - you'll note that from this look, there is no discernable difference between the -LP and the -A models.

Here's where you can see the difference in the -6LP.  Note the number and position of the lugs.  I'm still researching the exact breakout of the designation "LP" in order to determine the intent of this version of the GSh-6.


The complete set as it looks together.  The straps are all nicely positioned showing the number and types of connections.  These helmets weren't plug-and-play.  They required a second person to assist the pilot/aircrew in putting the helmet on and getting into a flight-worthy status.


The comm helmet with neck ring (note the 8-lug pattern peculiar to the -LP model) and below a closer look at just the neck ring.


The communications connection plug spares.  Not to be replaced by untrained personnel.


The cleaning fluid, PK-10.  The "shelf-life" date is not visible, but the "flammable" note on the label is clear.


And here's the "passport" for the helmet showing general the maintenance performed, upgrades, and other details - more of a maintenance log book than anything else.

A new collector was able to acquire a brand-new GSh-6LP complete set.  Pictures are to the left - all serial numbers match between the helmet, components, and storage case.  Note in the picture below that the aviation logistics personnel scrawled in chalk the size and probably a shelf location number on the side of the case.  The size is a 2b or Medium-Large (as confirmed on the passport picture to the left).  Above you'll find a picture showing all the pieces of an -LP collection in a single layout.

My appreciation to Phillip Textor for the pictures of his collection's centerpiece. Phillip also acquired a blue two-piece flight suit at the same time - a true collecting coup!  Pictures of the flight suit are on the VKK-6 page.

Purchaser tips:

The outside shell of the helmet weathers wear very well.  It shouldn't have any scratches or gouges.  There should not be any names stenciled onto it - this would be abnormal. The first part where you'll notice wear is with the connectors.  The visor release will become difficult to work and the dark visor retraction lever will be extremely difficult to operate.  The neck ring locking device will sound gritty or be difficult to lock into place.  These previously mentioned problem areas can also be found on brand new helmets that have not yet been broken in.  The only difference is that there won't be any grit - the levers and locks will just be difficult to move.  Another place that you'll see heavy wear is on the inside part where the cloth covers the foam. These will simply start to unravel.  Generally, the GSh-6 does not suffer from oxidation, although the metal connectors, especially the locking wire on the neck ring will almost always have some oxidation - even on new, unissued helmets..

 The lowest end GSh-6A helmet can draw around $200.  A model in like new condition with all the accessories should cost about $350.  A GSh-6M (extremely rare) should draw between $750 and $1000.

The GSh-6A experimental version above, in like new condition sold for $500.
Usage:

The GSh-6A is used primarily in the MiG-25 and MiG-31 high altitude/high speed interceptors, however, the GSh-6 is the helmet of choice when test pilots ran any of the new or newly modified Soviet/Russian high-performance aircraft - MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Su-17/20/22, Su-27, and Su-35 through their paces.