East German Grey Tanker Helmet Liner

NVA Tanker Helmet Liner

This quilted hood was issued by the East German Army, the NVA (Nationale Volksarmee), to be worn under a tank crew helmet. It covers the head, ears, cheeks and the back of the neck, which keeps a crewman warm inside a cold steel hull. Collectors of Cold War East Bloc kit and reenactors wear it, and so do people who just want a warm hood for outdoor work in winter.

Features

• Genuine East German Issue — This liner was made for the NVA's own armored units and is original government kit.
• Quilted Cotton-Polyester Shell — Diamond-pattern stitching holds the insulating layer in place so it stays evenly spread and does not bunch up.
• Pile Face Trim — A soft grey pile lines the face opening and the front edge, sitting against the skin where cold air gets in first.
• Round Ear Openings — Bound openings over each ear let headset earphones sit close and keep the wearer able to hear crew communications.
• Extended Cheek And Neck Flaps — The sides run down past the jaw and the back covers the nape, so the throat and neck stay covered under a collar.
• Taped Edge Binding — Tan tape finishes the ear holes and edges, giving the seams a clean, hard-wearing border.
• Low-Profile Fit — The thin, close-fitting cut is meant to go under a helmet, and it also works under a hat or a jacket hood.

Original Specification

The liner has a quilted cotton and polyester shell with lines of reinforcing topstitching running over the crown, plus pile trim at the face. It was built for armored vehicle crews, where a helmet sat on top and a radio headset fit over the ears, which is why the ear openings are there. Because it is issued NVA equipment, it is a period piece for anyone building out an East German tank crew impression or a Cold War collection.