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ZSh-8 |
The ZSh-8. I've only heard that it exists.
Looking at it, I see
that it is an upgrade of the ZSh-3 using technology from the ZSh-7
series. It appears to have the same high-impact white plastic shell
with internal retractable sun visor. But then it has external
earphones and connections for an occipital bladder in the rear. In
this picture, the chin strap is fastened, and you can still see what
appears to be the standard ZSh-3 clips for the KM-32 oxygen mask. In
my opinion, the ZSh-8 is a replacement/upgrade of the ZSh-3 system.
It has done away with the separate ShL/Z-78/82 internal leather
communications helmet and PO-1M goggles. It is completely
self-contained. Needless to say, if I ever see one of these, I will
pick it up, take lots of pictures, then sell it. |
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Gunny Tien Nguyen, USMC sent me this picture and I didn't
realize what it was at first. Now it appears to be the twin brother
to the one in the picture above. As an upgrade/replacement of the
ZSh-3, it only makes sense that it would have the dual visors, a standard
chin-strap, and possible a place for the occipital bladder (hard to tell
in the inset picture). Thanks for the picture!
More information has come in regarding this helmet shown to the left -
it is a modification of the Chinese TK-2 for use as a motorcycle
helmet. I'll leave it here for all to see, but this helmet is NOT a
ZSh-8.
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ZSh-9
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Here's a picture of a ZSh-9. The mounting
bracket for the Sh-ZUM-1 is evident on the fore-part of the helmet shell. This is
the only feature which might identify this helmet as Russian. The
visor retraction system is completely new. The lack of breather
vents on the helmet is new. The conforming shape is new. The
gold/brass visor guide is new. The connectors to accept the oxygen
mask appear to be the same, as does the chin strap buckle. Besides
that, this is an all-new design. As of the year 2000, these were
just being integrated into the Russian Air Force for their jet fighter
pilots (assuming the Su-27 and MiG-29). Consequently, these are very
tight-hold items for the Russians and they are not available on the open
market. Since I don't do "black market", I don't know when
these will be available for the common man.
Also, note the oxygen mask - another completely new design, and I
assume that this is the elusive KM-36. Besides this picture, I know
nothing else about this oxygen mask. |
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I took this picture out of a magazine. He is Alex
Pelekh, Hero of Russia, and test pilot on the new Multi-Function
Fighter. The picture was taken in the Spring of 2000. You can
see that he wears the ZSh-9 as a test pilot. Maybe the days of the
GSh-6A as the test pilot helmet are over. |
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Here's the Su-29KS Trainer and Aeorobatic Aircraft (this
picture was the center spread in the Jan/Feb 1999 issue of Aerospace
Courier, published in Moscow, Russia.
You'll see that the pilot has a ZSh-9 - tell-tale flares around the
ears and the internal visor. |
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And a close up from the picture above. You'll see that he
has a sticker on his helmet for the organization he flies for. |
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Purchaser tips:
No clue - but if you do buy one, get it with the new O-2
mask and please send me some pictures and any insight you get! |
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