Unlike the name might suggest, ZSh-5AP modification was derived from the original ZSh-5 helmet and not
from the later ZSh-5A. It is also possible that ZSh-5AP was produced before the ZSh-5A series of
helmets was rolled out.
The main visual difference between ZSh-5 and ZSh-5AP helmets is that the later has some additional
screws on its shell. This is possibly due to the redesigned electronics, but this is only my guess as
I do not have any information on this type of helmet.
ID tag inside of the ZSh-5AP helmet. It's a bit different from the tags usually found inside of
Russian helmets. First line is the name of the helmet, second line is the size, third is the serial
number and fourth is the date of production. Note that helmet has an extremely low serial number of 67
- depending on how Soviets organized their helmet manufacturing this may suggest that this was the 67th
ZSh-5 helmet ever produced or the 67th ZSh-5 helmet produced by some manufacturer.
A view inside of the ZSh-5AP helmet. Styrofoam seems to be a bit of a different shape. Also note
that there is no occipital bladder. Most probably it's missing, but I decided not to insert a new one
until I know for sure.
Front view. Note the early style rubber edging and unusual mask receivers.
Close up on the mask receiver.
Another picture of the mask receiver. It is similar to later style, but has no spring loaded
buttom and because of that cannot be mated with regular KM-34/KM-34D masks (in later pictures I unscrewed
small round buttons located near the end of the hooks thus allowing hooks to be inserted into
receivers).
Right view - note the additional screws found on ZSh-5AP.
This and several following shots are close ups on additional screws.
Microphone plug with a "Sh 1" marking.
Helmet's plug to the aircraft's radio system marked "Sh 2".
