The AFH-1 Flyers Helmet was developed by Natick Labs in response to the need for a helmet that offered greater ballistic protection than the APH-5. Rather than laminated glass fabric, the AFH-1 had a laminated ballistic nylon fabric shell that provided increased fragmentation protection. The shell was also lined with an expanded polystyrene plastic, which in combination with the ballistic nylon produced significantly improved crash protection. The helmet was equipped with a retractable shatter resistant visor, communications equipment and could accommodate an oxygen mask if required.1
The AFH-1 was adopted for Army use in 1965 and standardized as MIL-H-43388 in February 1966. Initially it was only produced in small and medium sizes, but 7000 large sized helmets were procured by Natick and shipped to Vietnam in August 1968.2
1. Support To United States Army In Vietnam - Clothing & Equipment (United States Army Material Command Feb 1967)
2. Support To United States Army In Vietnam - Clothing & Organic Materials Vol II (United States Army Material Command Aug 1968)