Originally Posted by icebreaker

My imaginary explanation has convinced me that the Viper helmet shares much of the same technology that was originally seen in the Tele-Vipers gear.
So, with that, and the file card stating that the Viper helmet does indeed include RTO capability, I have reason to believe that the '86 Viper helmet has a H.U.D. built into the face plate.
And to make my make-believe world more convincing, I've convinced myself that the Viper face plate, while it can withstand blasts, debris, and shrapnel, it can only function so long before it is too hard to see out of.
So, after a faceplate becomes damaged or unusable, extra eye protection is available for quick access.