Abstract: An improved, lightweight helmet and visor assembly suitable for use in high erformance aircraft during flight and ejection, if necessary, of the pilot. A plurality of holes are formed in the forward area of the crown region of the helmet shell beneath a visor guard and along the side edges of the visor guard to relocate the center of gravity of the helmet, reduce the aerodynamic pressure of windblast during ejection, increase stability during high acceleration, increase ventilation and cooling, and increase comfort to the pilot while maintaining the structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: A selectable plurality of removable pads are placed one on top of another re and aft between a rigid helmet and an inner flexible helmet for fitting and suspending a single size of the rigid helmet to varying head contours. The pads are comprised of ventilated spacer material having attached on opposing surfaces thereof mating fastening elements for securing the pads both to each other and between the rigid and flexible helmets. The pads provide for ventilation and cooling and stabilize the rigid helmet on the head.