- Yes
- No
This suggestion proposes adding the ability for players to customize the appearance of their pilot’s helmet, using a system similar to the existing user skin feature in War Thunder. This addition would not only allow for greater immersion and individual expression, but also reflect real-world practices from military aviation history. Several air forces, particularly the U.S. Navy, have long allowed pilots to personalize their flight helmets, making this a thematically appropriate and immersive addition to the game.
In real-life air forces, especially in the U.S. Navy from the Cold War era onward, pilots were often permitted to paint their helmets with personalized designs, as long as they complied with regulations related to safety, reflectivity, and visibility. These designs frequently included squadron insignia, national colors, call signs, or unique artistic flourishes. This not only fostered a sense of unit pride and identity, but also enhanced pilot morale in high-risk operational environments.
Moreover, there was a practical aspect to customization: brightly colored helmets made it easier for rescue helicopters or swimmers to locate downed pilots in maritime environments, particularly at midnight or during poor visibility. These decorated helmets became a staple of naval aviation and remain iconic today.
Currently, in War Thunder, players can personalize their vehicles through the user skin system. This allows for detailed and historically accurate or creative camouflages to be applied to tanks, aircraft, and ships. However, pilot models remain static and identical across all players, regardless of nation or aircraft.
This limitation is most noticeable in cockpit view, where the pilot’s helmet is clearly visible. For players who enjoy immersive gameplay, this lack of customization slightly detracts from the overall realism and individuality that the rest of the game supports.
The good news is that this kind of customization is already partially supported through the Content Development Kit (CDK). Using the Asset Viewer, players can view, modify, and test helmet and suit textures just like below images. This proves that the game engine already supports visual customization for pilot gear.
By adapting this into a user-facing feature, Gaijin could implement helmet customization in the same way user vehicle skins work. Helmet textures could be stored in the UserSkins folder, selectable via a drop-down menu. A default helmet template could be provided to guide creators.
