Several factors should be considered before choosing a communications setup when converting a Military Flight Helmet for Civilian General Aviation (G/A) Aircraft use. Military and civilian radios and intercoms operate on different impedances AND usually have different plug setups as well. Military aircraft use a single U-174 plug while most general aviation aircraft use a dual plug system. This means that military helicopter helmet cables are not directly compatible in civilian aircraft. The microphone and earphones also need to be converted. Some things to consider first before choosing a helmet configuration:
Does the civilian aircraft have single or dual plug system? Most civilian impedance general aviation fixed wing aircraft use a dual plug system (one plug for microphone and one plug for earphones).
Will the helmet ever need to operate in military aircraft in addition to civilian aircraft? If the helmet needs to remain compatible with both military and civilian impedance aircraft, then we recommend using an impedance converter/adapter.
Will the helmet be used with a boom microphone, oxygen mask, either, or both? We have the parts available for any desired configuration. Please visit our flight helmet communications information page for more information.
Will the helmet have standard civilian impedance earphones or will it have Active Noise Reduction (ANR) earphones? ANR earphones are more expensive but offer a much more enjoyable flying experience, especially in noisy war-bird aircraft. Please visit our flight helmet communications information page for more information.
Several quick and easy conversion methods for helmets that already have a helmet cord and boom microphone installed are listed below:
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