The APH-5 helmet was developed during the mid-'50 in order to replace the  H-4 type which was becoming obsolete due to the arrival of high performance jets in the USN/USMC inventory.

The new helmet, made by Gentex, had a fibreglass shell with a plastic single visor cover.

The helmet was painted with a copper-based paint so hopefully it would be easier to spot downed pilots with electronics means, like with the previous H-4 type. A USMC or USN decal was placed on front of the visor cover. It is not uncommon to see APH-5 Helmets decorated with orange Reflective Tape (later Red and White tape was used too)

Early types had leather tabs to secure the A-13A Oxygen Mask and a spring -actuated button to lower the visor.

Later models used instead Hardmanns fittings to secure the mask and blue plastic twist-knob to operate the visor.

A standard flexible boom mike could be used.

The APH-5 was typically used by both USN/USMC crew on all A/C types until mid-'60, when the APH-6A appeared.

The APH-5 had a longer use with helicopters units during the VN war. At this stage it was issued with a white or green painted shell and simplified visor cover and earphones system.

It was replaced around 1967 by the SPH3/SPH4 types.