Helmet, A4-H, Apollo "Universal"

This Universal helmet was part of the first A-4H-027 training suits for the Apollo program in the mid-1960s. The helmets were constructed with the smaller neckrings and slightly different life-support backpack attachments.

The helmet was the second helmet design for the Apollo series and the first to be designed and manufactured by Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Like the earlier designs for the AX-1H and AX-2H models which were designed and manufactured by the International Latex Corporation in Dover, Delaware, this helmet had a retractable pressure visor for impact protection. The neckring had pivots and a lower-effort pressure-sealing bearing. These pivots allowed the wearer a considerably greater range of up and down vision with less effort, and the neck bearing allowed the head and helmet to turn right and left without restriction.

NASA testing demonstrated this helmet's range of visibiltiy superior to anything previously tested.

NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center transferred to the museum in 1973.