The TSh-4 or, originally translated, TŠ-4 (in Cyrillic: ТШ-4, meaning; Танковый шлем, latinized as Tankovij šlem, anglicized as Tankoviy shlem and meaning; Tanker's helmet), alternatively known either as Танкошлем (Tankošlem/Tankoshlem - same meaning, but shortened), or, most popular, but somewhat inaccurately as Шлемофон (Šlemofon/Shlemophon and loosely translated as Helmet-headset) - since any helmet with built-in radio could be referred to as being such, is once Soviet and today primarily Russian tankman's well-known combat helmet.
It represents an indispensable headwear of literally every Soviet/Russian combat vehicle crewman or operator and is a well known as well as probably the main recognition symbol (a sort of a "trademark") of all Soviet, Eastern bloc, Warsaw pact and today post-Soviet tankmen as well as of anyone else using any kind of Soviet armor and their combat vehicles in general.
The first and the earliest model, originally designated as ТШ-4, made its first appearance back in interwar period (during early 1930s), when then Soviet Red Army started to equip itself with their first armored vehicles (tanks). It was continued to be produced and extensively used through the entire World War II up until the end of 1940s and beginning early Cold War period.
Then, it was replaced with a severely redesigned and modernized model by finally featuring a built-in intercom, in then recently renamed Soviet Army and, due by that, receiving an updated designation, now becoming known as the ТШ-4М (М standing for Modernizirovannij/Modernizirovanniy, simply meaning; Modernized). As such, it was was continued to be produced through the entire Cold war era up until nowadays - only being slightly updated in design by the course of time (by that, spawning three redesigned versions altogether), but nevertheless, still retaining the one-and-the-same (ТШ-4М/TSh-4M) designation. The helmet, thus, still remains produced in its latest version and is used by the modern Russian Army together with most other users of Soviet/Russian combat vehicles through the globe.
The first version of the modernized model (the TSh-4M) which originally appeared in the very end of 1940s, had made introduction of the winter variant for the first time, due to which the additional letter in its designation appeared for both standard (summer) as well as for the newly-introduced (winter) model - in order so that both to be properly distinguished from each other. Thus, the winter version is designated as the ТШ-4М-3 (TSh-4M-Z), in which case the capital letter 3 (Z) in Cyrillic alphabet stands for Зимний (meaning; Zimnij/Zimniy and translated simply as; Winter) and is characterized by featuring artificial fur lining inside. Due to this, the already existing (standard/summer) version also received an additional letter in its designation, as it then became specified as the ТШ-4М-Л (TSh-4M-L); hence their capital letter Л (L) stands for Летний, meaning Letnij/Letniy (Summer).
In some cases, the TSh-4 models featured a standard metallic Red star badge nailed directly on their forehead-protective part, which was very rarely found even in the earlier (first and second) models of its modernized version, TSh-4M. Much more often that the mentioned badge and starting with the Cold war-era period, the TSh-4M versions received a three-digit white-colored number (e.g.; "242") printed on the very same section (forehead part), which actually indicate a certain combat vehicle's number to which the user of that specific helmet belongs to and which is practiced in order so that the tankmen do not accidentally mix their helmets among themselves. The helmet was and still is also occasionally paired with standard Soviet tankman's googles. [2]
Among enthusiasts and collectors, the first model (the TSh-4M) is nowadays colloquially known as either Red Army or, a little bit incorrectly, as WWII model (since it appeared almost ten years before the outbreak of the war after all), the first and the second version of the updated model (the TSh-4M) are sometimes known either as the Cold war or Soviet Army model, while the latest version (of the same designation) is commonly known as Russian Army or as the Modern model, in order so that it can be properly distinguished from both of its earlier versions (although, it also actually appeared back during early 1980s, that is, still during the Cold war-era and the Soviet times).
As mentioned in the beginning, this helmet was copied literally far and wide through the world by anyone using any kind of Soviet combat vehicles, due to which it is even today, over ninety years after its first introduction, still very well known piece of equipment and is also relatively easy to acquire. In the English speaking world, it is known simply as the Soviet tank helmet, alternatively as the Soviet tanker helmet or rarely, as the Soviet tank cap.
TSh-4[]
Red army tankers from T-34-85 medium tank, wearing the original TSh-4 helmet paired with their standard one-piece black coveralls during World War II. In contrast to all of its later models, the orignal TSh-4 was was not a headset, simply due to not featuring any kind of electronics (the intercom) built-in, which was due to the fact that Red army tanks literally never featured any kind of radio set (until post-war T-55).
As mentioned in the introduction, the earliest variant of this helmet firstly appeared back in 1931, when the Soviet Red Army started to acquire its first tanks (most notably the T-24, then the T-26 as well as the famous BT series of light tanks).
The TSh-4 is easily distinguished from the later and much more common models (the TSh-4M), since it was severely different in its design. Firstly, it was originally made out of genuine (calfskin) black-coated or brownish leather, but switching to black-colored fabric less than ten years later - already by the beginning of the 1940s (due to which most found examples of the TSh-4 are made out of canvas).
The leather, as originally found in the TSh-4, was present due to the fact that the first Red Army tankmen's wraps (jackets) were originally made out of same black-coated (fire resistant) leather. That was relatively soon (already during late 1930s) abandoned in favor to common fabric-made black one-piece coveralls (as seen on the photo to the right), because of which the helmet material was also changed from leather to canvas and generally remained so until the present day.
By the sole design, this model is fairly easily distinguished compared to the later TSh-4M (and all of its versions), firstly by featuring only three bulged-out, vertical (longitudinal) lines on its overhead part (the bulges were and still are filled with foam sponge, which serves for protection against punches and impacts) which were visibly more divided from each other, when compared to the later models (although, three overhead lines were still found in the first/earliest model of the TSh-4M). Apart of that, it featured entirely square (cubical) ear coverings on sides, which could be actually opened via single button (for head-ventilating, especially during summertime), then severely narrower neck cover, shorter backhead cover as well as somewhat larger and thicker (more bulbous) forehead protecting section.
Due to this design (especially in the earliest/leather-made examples), the TSh-4 at first glance sometimes more resembles a pilot's cap rather than tankman's helmet; particularly since the Red Army pilots wore relatively similar cap during those times. Also, one of its main differences lies in the fact that the TSh-4 (as the original versions) actually never represented any kind of headset, since it did not feature any kind of earphones nor microphones (Red Army tanks and combat vehicles in general never featured radio and were thus never connected via intercom up until post-war period), but was just a simple head-protective cap intended only against punches and impacts.
The TSh-4 was serially produced and officially used by all Red Army tankmen up until the late 1940s and beginning of the Cold war period, which means it was commonly used during the entire World War II and in all Soviet (light, medium and heavy) tanks of that period, among others, the famous KV-I and T-34 medium tanks, as well as IS-II heavy tank.
Since not being in production for approximately seventy years, this first and the original version (the TSh-4) is nowadays very rare and much harder to find (especially in preserved condition) - at least when compared to the later, newer and longer produced versions (the TSh-4M models).
TSh-4M (first model)[]
3D model featuring standard appearance of Soviet army tank commander from 1949 until 1972, still wearing the distinctive Red army one-piece-black coveralls from photo above and older model of popular Sapogi jackboots, but using the first model of the TSh-4M helmet, which featured electronics (the intercom set), as was thus intended for Soviet Cold-war era tanks (the MBT's), which all featured radio. The TT pistol was soon replaced with new PM in 1951, while regular tankers received AKMS automatic rifles starting from 1959. These one-piece black coveralls where continued to be used as far as 1972 when they were finally phased out in favor to very similar, but two-piece suits (see photo below).
The existing helmet was severely redesigned for the first time in 1949, due to the fact that then recently renamed Soviet Army introduced their first modern, that is, the universal (main battle) tank - the T-55, which was their very first tank which finally featured a serially built-in radio-set; the R-113 Granat (beginning from 1960s gradually replaced with newer and much more known model, the R-123 Magnolia, which will soon become the standard Soviet radio for all their combat vehicles). Precisely this step-forward in simultaneously marked the appearance of the new and severely redesigned model of this helmet, now designated as ТШ-4М (TSh-4M), as the modernized version.
This first and the earliest model of this versions was practically a pure hybrid of the original Red Army's TSh-4 and, the then-future, (second) version of TSh-4M, that is, its successor model. By its design, it was visually distinguished only by its ear coverings, which now became circular (rounded, due to having earphones built in) as well as in the fact that it finally featured electronics - the R-124 intercom system built-in, which consisted of two layringophones (the throat microphones) together with earphones and a single plug, the latter which served for indirect connection into mentioned R-123 tank radio device, since the helmet's plug was actually intended to be linked onto the special adapter (a sort of voltage converter) which was then itself linked directly to the R-123 via its own plug. Exactly due to finally featuring an intercom system, the helmet then acquired its alternative and already mentioned name Шлемофон (Shlemophone, meaning; Headset).
It also featured redesigned backhead cover, which was slightly lengthened in order to provide mounting for then newly introduced Soviet tanker's night vision device, the ПНВ-57 (Прицел Ночного Видения), translated as PNV-57 (Pricel Nočnogo Videnija/Pritsel Nochnogo Videniya), meaning Night-vision sight, which was intended specifically for TSh-4M series of helmets. Reason due to which the PNV-57 could be used exclusively with TSh-4 series of helmets, lies in fact that the mounting pins of its battery housing (which is mounted on the back side of the goggles) was designed to be attached onto the middle of the distinctive, three bulged-out longitudial-protective lines on the helmet's overhead. The same practice was also followed in its successor model.
Like many other pieces of Soviet-made equipment and technology in general, the all TSh-4M helmet models were designed to be very easily maintained or repaired if experienced any kind of malfunction with the electronics, as they all feature classic buttons located on the back side, which serves for opening the rear cover and removing all the electronic equipment (earphones, layringophones as well as the plug) if needed, which can thus, also be easily replaced with the new ones.
This version was produced for and officially used by the Soviet Army from 1949 until early 1970s. However, it continued to be used by the rest of the Eastern bloc and Warsaw pact until the very end, most notably by Czechoslovakian (ČSLA) and East German (NVA) army.
TSh-4M (second model)[]
Artist Ronald Volstad impression of standard Soviet army tanker appearances from early 1970s until late 1980s (from Osprey title Inside the Soviet Army). All are wearing their distinctive two-piece black suits, paired along with then newest (second) model of TSh-4M helmets and Sapogi jackboots and are armed with the-then newly-introduced AKS-74U automatic carbines (as their official firearm).
Following a decree No. 92 issued directly by Soviet Ministry of Defense starting from 27th April 1972, the existing TSh-4M was severely redesigned, what will become the most iconic, widespread and popular model of all. It was now distinguished by its distinctive four head-protecting, bulged-out longitudinal lines on the overhead part (two located in the middle along with one on each side of the overhead), compared to the previous three (as found in both previous versions - the original Red Army one, as well as its preceding model). It also featured wider neck and again slightly longer backhead cover as well as thinner forehead-protection section. It retained the same R-124 intercom system (twin laryngophones together with plug and earphones) built-in and was produced and officially used by all Army vehicle operators as well as certain Navy personnel from 1972 until 1983.
Due to this, the existing PNV-57 night vision set was also slightly redesigned and because of that re-designated as PNV-57E, in order so that it can accommodate for use to the newly introduced model of the already existing helmet. Among other minor details, it featured slightly different front and back attaching pins (for battery housing), in order so that it can be linked onto the two middle bulged-out lines of the helmet's overhead, since the new model now featured four lines altogether (two at the sides and two in the middle), as mentioned.
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Second model of TSh-4M headset fitted with PNV-57E standard Soviet tanker's night vision device, which was designed specifically for usage only with it. This is since the goggles featured distinctive front and back mounting pins which can be attached exclusively to the head-protecting, bulged-out longitudinal lines on the overhead section of TSh-4M helmets, exactly as shown in the photo.
The appearance of the redesigned TSh-4M was actually marked together with appearance of then newly introduced two-piece tanker's suits (the Tankoviy kostyum) as a replacement for previous one-piece suits (Tankoviy kombinezon), retaining the same (black) pattern. Both of these (helmet and suit) being results of Soviet Army's modernization program of the period, which lasted through the few years, and which, among other new technology, introduced the new service uniform (the M-69), headgear (the SSh-68 combat helmet), firearm (AK-74 automatic rifle) and so on.
This variant finally made an introduction of the winter model, designated as ТШ-4М-3 (TSh-4M-Z), which features the fur-filled insides, due to which the summer version soon received the capital letter Л (L) in their designation, in order to properly differ them from the winter versions, as mentioned back during intro section. Many of these summer versions were later (during early 1980s) made in distinctive khaki pattern[3], mainly intended for Soviet tankers involved in Intervention in Afghanistan, but most were still made black colored, in order to match and accommodate to the previously mentioned tanker's coveralls (Tankoviy kombinezon) or later and newer tanker suits (Tankoviy kostyum).
TSh-4M helmet as featured in 1970s Soviet propaganda poster celebrating the tanker's day (День танкистов - Den tankistov), which was from 1946 to 1980 marked every 11th June and since 1980 until today every first sunday in September and which still continutes to do so nowadays, in modern Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
The second model of TSh-4M directly served as a basis for Soviet paratrooper helmet, known as ДШ (DŠ/DSh, meaning Desantnij Šlem/Desantniy Shlem, translated as; Airborne helmet), also popularly called Прыжковый шлем (Prižkovij šlem/Prizhkoviy shlem, meaning; Jump helmet). It was developed directly from TSh-4M and made its first appearance among Soviet paratroopers (VDV) during late 1970s. Basically, it was just a standard TSh-4M helmet with only distinctive ear coverings removed (due to having its headset removed) and replaced with airholes on each side. Also, in contrast to the original TSh-4M, it was produced mainly in cotton instead of the usual canvas and did not feature standard black but distinctive khaki appearance instead (current Russian army versions are now being produced in their newest EMR digital pattern camouflage).[4]
The second TSh-4M model was officially used by Soviet Army from early 1970s until late 1980s (almost until the very end of the Cold war), when it was replaced by again restyled version. However, despite being officially long replaced by its successor model (firstly in Russia and then also by many others using Soviet armor) this version of TSh-4M still remains in widespread use through both Europe and the world as of 2020s and is also the most common model of this helmet available on various military surplus shops and markets.
TSh-4M (latest model)[]
Soviet tanker of elite Tamanskaja (Tamanskaya) armored division standing atop T-80U tank during unsuccessfull August 1991 Coup d'etat in Moscow's Red square. He is using the newest and latest model TSh-4M headset, which simultaneously appeared together with then new, khaki version of the existing two-piece tanker's suit which he is also wearing.
Following a 1982 decree of Soviet Ministry of Defense, the existing (second) model of TSh-4M helmet was soon once again restyled and updated, receiving just a few trivial, but still very easily noticeable changes. Apart from being equipped with noise-reducing layers inside the ear covers (in front of the earphones) due to which it features sensibly larger and different (more bulged out) ear covers, it also received a slight redesign of the overhead part, by now featuring six (further two at the sides) instead of the usual four bulged longitudinal, protective lines, as found in the previous and most common model. However, due to all these changes being trivial and just a slighter modifications of the existing helmet, it again retained its previous designation, the TSh-4M-Z for winter, or TSh-4M-L for the summer variant, exactly like the previous version.
However, this version is often also known alternatively known as ШШ-1 (ŠŠ-1/ShSh-1), meaning Шлемофон Шумозащищающий (Šlemofon Šumozašišajušij/Shlemophon Shumozashishayushiy), meaning Noise-reducing Headset, exactly due to having additional noise-reducing layer built inside earphone housings, which also explains its visibly larger ear coverings when compared to the preceding model, as previously mentioned.
Modern Russian tankers wearing the latest version of TSh-4M headset, paired with currently newest model of their two-piece tank suits, which is now featured in Navy blue pattern.
Although often being described as the latest and the modern Russian Army model, it was in fact originally still issued to the Soviet tankers during 1980s, together with new, khaki version of already existing and mentioned Tankoviy kostyum (replacing the original, black ones) but was most probably firstly widely-observed on T-80U crewmen of the elite Tamanskaja (Tamanskaya) armored division during failed 1991 Coup d'etat in Moscow's Red Square[5], which is nowadays often known as the so-called August Coup.
Despite being in production and usage far more longer than any of the previous models (for almost 40 years - originally since 1983), this model is actually much rarer and harder to find as well as sensibly less widespread on the market. This however, should not surprise at all, since this model (as being the latest variant) is currently in use by tankers of various armies through the Europe and world, which explains why it is not so common on the military surplus markets, at least when compared to its predecessor. This also simultaneously explains why the prevous version (second model of TSh-4M) is much more popular and widespread on market even nowadays, despite being produced much shorter and sensibly longer time ago.
In contrast to the previous model, the latest version is nowadays (but rarely) again found even in leather-made variants, which is not seen since the original (Red Army's) TSh-4 back from 1930s.[6][7][8][9]
Gallery[]
In popular culture[]
|
Media |
Notes |
Date |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis |
TSh-4M used by both Soviet and Resistance tank crews |
2001 |
| Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin | TSh-4 used by Red army tank crews | 2002 |
| Codename: Panzers | TSh-4 used by Red army tank crews | 2004 |
| Soldiers: Heroes of World War II | TSh-4 used by Red army tank crews | 2004 |
| Battlefield 2 | TSh-4M used by T-90 machine gunners | 2005 |
| Metal Saga | Customized TSH-4M with white headphone covers worn by the player character. | 2005 |
| Faces of War | TSh-4 used by Red army tank crews | 2006 |
| ArmA: Armed Assault | TSh-4M used by SLA tank crews | 2007 |
| Men of War | TSh-4 used by Red army tank crews | 2009 |
| Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad | TSh-4 used by T-34 crewmen | 2011 |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | The modern TSh-4M is a part of the "Sokoly", "Task Force" and "Brawler" outfits for Bale in multiplayer. | 2019 |
References[]
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whFO7DYxBFo
- ↑ https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/headgear-steel-helmets-rkka-red-army-soviet-army/488050d1363808637-tank-helmet-goggle-pickup-001.jpg
- ↑ https://www.soviet-power.com/image/cache/data/2019/24122019%20-%20Helmet%202-1000x1000.jpg
- ↑ https://scontent.fzag1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p640x640/116115888_2703818759860863_7260439202389574130_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=Ukh5Ymp4wT0AX8St2lA&_nc_ht=scontent.fzag1-1.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=e56db8d4100f5f2f58344fdaecbbd4d8&oe=5F5195E5
- ↑ https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/8/16/1313489958021/A-soldier-loyal-to-the-co-003.jpg?width=700&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=358dc978021d9cb9fd51abdeeec031e5
- ↑ http://katana.com.ua/gallery/dsc00541.jpg
- ↑ https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/kWY2YNcXa4_NIM0W7Z2_fO2ar0XODt1TquHSRLG2LEi0XTHTVwQxgz23V5ZOvtz2l83jfZjeUbydKyZQsitYWHw
- ↑ https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/PSNG8s27QuwXws_YYT66V7g83rQiddyD-E2o4S039b3l8TNPROoJ6ehdTQLpy_Nvg_TDHeKFlWoua4edZSXZyiM
- ↑ http://katana.com.ua/gallery/dsc00534.jpg