Covid-19: Leonardo adapts helmet/mask for helo crews

Leonardo UK has adapted a helmet and mask system that is designed to enable military helicopter crews to continue to fly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leonardo Helicopters UK flight test crew demonstrate the newly adapted helmet and facemask that is designed to enable crews to fly during the coronavirus pandemic. (Leonardo UK)

The solution, announced by the company on 28 April, sees the standard pilot helmet and oxygen mask system that is normally used for high-altitude testing coupled with protection factor (P) 3 respiratory protective equipment (RPE) filters to provide uncontaminated air to the crew who are seated in close proximity to one another. P3 RPE is rated to filter out particles down to the size of solid and liquid aerosols.

“We have taken our existing oxygen mask, which is compatible with our helmets/visors and has a built-in microphone for comms, and hose, and then connected a standard filter from an industrial respiratory protection equipment face mask,” Mark Burnand, the chief test pilot of Leonardo Helicopters UK explained, adding; “We have modified the end of the hose with a bespoke attachment which allows us to fit the filter effectively and also a connector that allows us to attach the assembly to our life vests securely.”

As noted by Leonardo, this helmet and mask system is worn along with regular personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, helmet visors, and layered flight clothing, which, when combined with intensive and regular aircraft cleaning, provides a more complete protective solution for the aircrews and ground staff currently supporting the UK government’s counter-coronavirus campaign.