ZSh-5MKV2, Soviet Flight Helmet

 The ZSh-5 helmet was standard Soviet issue for its fighter pilots in the 1970's.  This is a complete set with all padding on the inside, ear pads with speakers, brown/tan sun shield.  The sun visor can be moved in manual mode to three separate positions or it can be set to automatic mode where it snaps all the way down with the touch of a button (or the activation of the ejection seat - nice safety feature!). 

This is a one-piece fiberglass helmet with interior blue padding on white styrofoam insulation and earphones with speakers. This helmet includes its air bag, consisting of a rubber bladder protected by a nylon bag, used to tighten the face against the KM-34 oxygen mask automatically as the oxygen pressure was increased. 


The ZSh-5MKV2 has mounts for the Sh-ZUM-1 Target Designator system, which is found on the MiG-29. The helmet had integral headphones and velcro-attached padding.  This made the size of the helmet very important.  These come in sizes 1, 2, and 3.  Adjustments on fit can be made by making the oxygen mask fit tighter against the pilot's face.

Look at the inside of the helmet beyond the material and the foam padding.  Yes, that's right - it is styrofoam.

The ZSh-5 can use the KM-34 and KM-35 oxygen masks (they clip directly into brackets on the helmet edges.

A little humor - the pilot who wore this helmet put an F-16 sticker on it and drew in cross-hairs.

A view from the top.

And here's the tag.

 

  

Purchaser tips:

Look for the edges of the helmet by the front brackets - these will show cracking with only the most minimal of use.  The rubber gasket that lines the edge of the helmet also turns gummy after limited exposure to the elements.  Look for any discoloration of the padding on the inside or any loss of the styrofoam.  The high-impact plastic of the helmet itself may be discolored under the glossy outside coating.  The process caused discoloring on occasion and this is perfectly normal (especially brown stain-type spots).

 The ZSh-5MKV2 is a very rare version of the ZSh-5. The sample shown here is used, but in superb condition.  It is worth from $500 to $750. A model in like new condition could draw $1000 (assuming that an oxygen mask is included).