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TOPTEX or GENTEX H-ATS ?
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We recently acquired a helmet and mask that have some interesting features.
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First of all, the (well-known...) name of the former owner. The bag supplied with the helmet contained, among other things, a set of identification tags with the corresponding name.
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​There are images on the web showing the helmet being worn during flights on the XCOR EZ-Rocket.
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The helmet has the characteristics of the elusive Gentex H-ATS (I don't know yet what that acronym means...) tested in the past in a more “mil spec” configuration by the Swiss Air Force.
The oxygen mask (and its very distinctive white hose) corresponds to the images attached to the GRD/ Swiss AF test reports from that period.
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See HERE (Note - the mask of the pictured gear is not the same configuration tested during the trials).
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Regarding Mr. Rutan's helmet:
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It has the appearance and some characteristics of a Toptex, but lacks some others.
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The shape of the shell corresponds to that of Protection, Inc./Toptex helmets;
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As usual the customer's name on the back of the shell was painted before the application of the final layer of clear coat. The font of the name matches those already seen on other Toptex/P.I. helmets;
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The inner Urethane Foam Liner padding is a customized one and bears the name of Mr.Rutan;
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The comm system impedance is MIL (checked on MQ-1 comm test unit, both the boom and the mask communications system works satisfactory).
However:
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The position of the communication harness outlet is the same as on PRK-36 helmets (“unusual” in P.I. helmets);
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The work order number/customer name/color label and related markings/data, normally found inside Toptex/ P.I. helmets are not present. Given its condition, these items should not be missing;
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The metal plates of the chromed oxy bayonet receivers are identified as Gentex and not Protection, Inc. as one might expect (+ the Gentex logos on the shell).​​
Pic source - Wikipedia
The shell shape is the same or very much like as that of a Toptex helmet,( the company merged with Gentex) or a confirmed H-ATS, (lower row).
The helmet is equipped with a military communication system, (the earphones are H-143/AIC 19 ohm) and fitted with a comm cord manufactured by Carter Engineering which allows to select the oxygen mask or boom microphone by a switch located at the audio connector.
In addition to the boom microphone installed on the helmet, the helmet's bag contains an additional boom microphone combo (which appears to be “homemade”) and a MIL-CIV impedance/intercom adapter.​​
The oxygen mask and its very distinctive hose with its fabric cover (described in the Swiss AF test protocols as ‘hose, unknown material’) correspond, as already mentioned, to the images attached to the test reports from that period relating to the H-ATS.
The magic of the web reveals that the white/clear spiral hose is is similar to the type used in medical oxygen therapy.
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The mask facepiece is thicker, 3 millimetres thick compared to the approximately 1.5 millimetres of "standard ones", and does not bear the date of manufacture.
Possibly given the experimental nature of the helmet's use, the bag supplied with the helmet also contains an autonomous demand oxygen regulator, probably to be connected to portable oxygen cylinders.
The Bendix ‘Regulator, Oxygen Breathing, Diluter demand’ P/N 29276-A3. One might wonder about its use, given that it was last serviced in 1969.
Could this really be an example of the elusive Gentex H-ATS?
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According to the documents available, the helmet designated as H-ATS was a “low-end” Toptex or an ‘improved’ HGU-55... Given the minor improvements over a “standard” HGU-55, its Swiss AF assessment was discontinued.
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If anyone out there might have information that could clarify the origin and details of this interesting equipment, I would be more than happy to be contacted.