|
Just like the ZSh-3B for the ZSh-3 family of helmets, ZSh-5B became a special combat version of the
ZSh-5. Just like ZSh-3B, ZSh-5B was produced in small quantaty and was mainly used by helicopter or
ground attack pilots.
In many regards ZSh-5B was just a slightly modified original ZSh-5 helmet. It used unmodified original
ZSh-5 shell to which a thin titanium or metal shell was attached via velcro pads. Helmet used double
visor system, but unlike ZSh-3B where both visors were independant, in ZSh-5B smaller sun-shade visor
became a simple snap-on over the original visor - pilot would fly most of the time with a transperant
visor (in the down position), but when needed he would take out small visor out and attach it over
an upper portion of the main one.
ZSh-5B armored shell is designated as BK-1M. Since the shell was made as an optional snap on,
it is made out of 3 different pieces - the main piece which covers almost the whole shell and 2 flaps
which cover the helmet from the bottom to visor mount. Three-piece armor platting can be easily and
quickly removed or attached to the helmet. It is also interesting to note that ZSh-5B helmet weights
much more then the ZSh-3B helmet. In fact, the whole set is so heavy it is no wonder they made armor
plating optional...
|
| ZSh-5B from my collection uses slightly different visor mounts. While on regular ZSh-5 helmets,
visor is placed between two metal pieces joined together with screws, this helmet has a metal mount only
on the outside and the inside part is hold by screws with big flat heads. |
|
| Close up on the ID tag inside of the helmet./i> |
|
| ZSh-5B with a snigle clear visor and without the titanium plate. It looks just like the original
ZSh-5. |
|
| View from the left. Note the two small locks placed over the metal visor mount. |
|
| Close up on the smaller visor mounts. These mounts were only on left side of the helmet. On the
right side, smaller visor had hooks that went all the way under main visor. |
|
| Another picture of the ZSh-5B helmet from the left but with an attached smaller visor. |
|
|
|
|
|
| View from above. Note 4 (2 in the front and 2 in the back) velcro pads to which titanium cover
was attached. Unfortunately helmet I bought came without this cover, but as soon as I find one, I will
place more pictures here depecting the complete setup. |
|
| On the inside, all 3 pieces of the armored shell carry an ID tag. |
|
| Several more pictures of how the complete ZSh-5B set looks like... |
|
|
|
| Close up on the smaller left armor piece. |
|
|
|
|
|
