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HGU-56/P Upgrades/Modifications


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We've got a deployment coming up and I'm looking to outfit my flight helmet with some "upgrades" to enhance functionality and comfort. I've obtained an ML-8 liplight and an Ume Cobra mic -- they've been awesome thus far.

 

I'm looking at Oregon Aero's HushKit (w/ Soft Seal) and Zeta II Liner. Any recommendations/suggestions? Is it worth the upgrade?

 

I know they're technically unauthorized, but since I'm not counting on unit funds sending them my way, I'm considering purchasing them myself.

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Not to be the Debbie Downer but be very careful of putting anything on your helmet or flight suit that's not approved by Rucker. If you have a mishap down the line the investigator may find that your unauthorized uniform mods were an issue (proximate cause) and may recommend punitive actions. We all want to have the swoopy kewl guy gear but do yourself a favor and limit it to what the army issues, check with your chain of command and ALSE beforehand. Goodluck on your deployment.

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Non-contributing, contributing factor, or something similar. Basically, in this case, if you were willing to violate the rules about ALSE that you knew about, what were you willing to violate in the aircraft? So while the hush kit, or the flex-mic couldn't realistically contribute to any accident you may have had, it theoretically implies an inherent problem in you, the pilot.

 

That's how I understand it. It's obviously utter garbage, and some of the rules regarding "modifications" to helmets really need to be addressed, but just be aware of the risks you run if you choose to do these things.

 

As others have said, the ZETAII is fine, and quite comfortable. The hush kit in my opinion (I tried it) wasn't any better than CEPs which ARE authorized. I also went with custom molds, though.

 

Additionally, for what it's worth, zVo, no one I know uses a lip light anymore, and the only people I ever see with them are new guys, for a short period of time. They're just not necessary. A finger light is by far more "maneuverable" for what you're trying to look at, and isn't tied to your head direction. Translation: you can look across the cockpit without shining lights in your CP's face. I also heard in the TACOPs course that lip lights were responsible for shoot-downs/deaths in the opening of OIF, but I can't vouch for the veracity of the claims. I only know what my recommendations are as the AMSO, and how I operate myself.

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Zvo if you're buying that stuff with your own money than You're wasting you're money buddy, go invest or something. If you're getting it for free, do whatever your rank can handle. Personally, I give two shits you could have a purple headed dong hanging off your helmet if you want to.

 

Charyou tree, even if that were true there's a lot of other factors other than whether or not the enemy could visually acquire your lip light. You're right though lip lights suck, mine has been disconnected for years.

 

Also just to add fuel to the fire, apache guy hit the nail on the head. If you are involved in a mishap and they see unauthorized modifications, depending on your unit you could be looking at getting sh*t canned. It happend to some 58 guys with Oregon aero seat cushions.

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