Dutch M53 inner helmet of the Air Force Security

The Dutch M53 inner helmet of the Air Force Security (mostly used by the Air Force Security Corps - LBK) is a specific variant of the well-known M53 Troop Helmet.

Characteristics of the Air Force Security Inner Helmet

• The Color: Unlike the standard olive drab combat helmets of the Royal Netherlands Army, a white plastic inner helmet (liner) was very frequently used for the object and airfield security of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (KLu). This provided a clean, recognizable, and ceremonial appearance during security duties.
• Material: Made of high-quality plastic (plastic or low-pressure polyethylene, produced by manufacturers such as the Austrian Ulbrichts Witwe, recognizable by stamps like "Us"). Early models were sometimes still made of pressed linen/resin (fiber).
• Suspension System: The inside features a webbing suspension system (fabric straps) with an adjustable leather sweatband and its own chinstrap, allowing the inner helmet to be worn without the heavy steel outer shell during patrols.
• Two-piece Concept: The complete M53 helmet consists of this plastic inner helmet and a steel outer shell. In the event of an active combat threat, the steel outer shell was placed over the white inner helmet.

Historical Context

Within the Dutch armed forces, the M53 helmets served from 1953 until the mid-1990s, after which they were succeeded by the modern composite M95 combat helmet. The white variants for security duties (including those of the LBK) were produced and worn until the late 1990s.