When it comes to bulletproof helmets or bulletproof helmets, the number you can choose may be daunting, especially if you are investing in bulletproof helmets for the first time or receiving government orders for the first time.
So this article can teach you everything about bulletproof helmets, which comes down to protecting your right priorities.
First, we need to know what bulletproof helmets are
Ballistic helmets, also known as “bulletproof helmets”, are used to protect the wearer’s head from trauma and injury in combat, live fire or other attacks.
Ballistic helmets of various shapes and materials are available to meet different needs.
Here, we will help you get familiar with the types of ballistic helmets so that you know how to choose the best helmet for yourself.
What is a bulletproof helmet?
Ballistic helmet is a tactical helmet designed to protect the wearer’s head from ballistic impact (bullet impact) and blunt impact (blunt object impact).
Military or SWAT teams usually use ballistic helmets in tactical situations, not only for protection, but also for the installation of communication equipment and other accessories, such as cameras and lights.
Bulletproof helmets are usually worn with bulletproof vests to provide full coverage protection.
Bulletproof – not “bulletproof”
Despite this common term, any material or coating used in tactical equipment can not completely resist the impact of bulletproof, but can only mitigate the impact of bullets as much as possible.
If the bullet hits the vest or helmet, the equipment will be weakened and bring strong impact to the wearer.
If the second hit is close to the first hit area, the equipment is likely to be completely damaged.
Bulletproof equipment will not make you invincible, but it will give you a chance to fight. Without it, you are likely to die from being shot in the head or important organs. With it, if distance, bullet speed and other factors are favorable to you, your survival probability will be greatly improved.
What is the level of bulletproof helmets?
High quality bulletproof helmets are tested according to the standards of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), an authoritative testing organization, and a grade is given to show which type of ammunition they can resist.
The protection standards corresponding to different grades are completely different.
If you want to buy bulletproof equipment, understanding the protection level of NIJ is the first step.
The most common rating for helmets is NIJ IIIA. With the increase of bulletproof level, the weight and hardness of bulletproof helmets will also rise. Of course, the price is the same.
What types of helmet shapes are available?
At present, there are four types of bulletproof helmets, each of which has its own story and trademark design and shape.
Until the 1980s, soldiers protected their heads with some kind of British Brody helmet. It is the “metal protective tool” mentioned in our previous article
For example, the American model is m1917 helmet, or “M1”. M1 is basically a very heavy steel tank, which is used to resist the rocks driven by explosion.
With the progress of the times, the weapon level has been rising again, so the military wants to get something more protective but lighter, which leads to the first change of protective products.
Pasgt Helmet
In the 1980s, a new material was developed, “Kevlar“
It is a kind of super tough and lightweight synthetic fiber. Its invention directly led to the emergence of the personnel armor system of the ground force (pasgt) helmet. The helmet has a Kevlar protective shell, so it is also called “Kevlar helmet”
By the 1980s, M1 metal helmets were eliminated and pasgt was put into use. In the following decades, pasgt became the standard helmet for the U.S. Marine Corps and other forces around the world.
You can identify the pasgt helmet by its iconic shape. It is characterized by a lip above the eyebrows and a low incision above the ears. Except for a higher incision on the temple, its shape is not much different from M1, but its weight and protection level are much better than M1 metal helmets.
In terms of head protection, pasgt is the original modern standard, but if Kevlar is added to the helmet material, it cannot be installed with accessories because the routing and installation inside the helmet becomes very difficult. Forced installation may damage the integrity of the housing.
Pasgt helmets also tend to move forward in certain positions, causing dangerous distractions and limiting vision.
Nevertheless, the U.S. military in Afghanistan is still using some pasgt helmets, and they are now using an updated lighter and more comfortable “light helmet” (LWH).
Pasgt helmet is best for you if you…
Good basic head protection is required.
There is no need to install accessories such as night vision goggles (NVG) or communication equipment.
We are within the budget.
MICH HELMET
The modular integrated communication helmet (Mitch) stems from the need to improve the pasgt helmet in terms of weight and modularity.
Comparing pasgt with Michigan, it can be seen that the latter has a higher degree of technical preparation. There are side guide rails on the Mitch to facilitate the installation of communication equipment, NVG shield and other accessories.
Michigan also has no eyebrows and lips. Both sides are higher than pasquet’s, and there is a flat lower edge behind the temple.
These shape differences lead to an 8% reduction in coverage, but have better situational awareness and vision.
In terms of defense, Michigan State University is made of a more advanced Kevlar fiber, which can better resist pistol bullets
Fast Helmet
The fast helmet is different from other helmets because of its higher and wider ear incision. This explains its nickname: “high cut” or “above the ear” (ATE).
Other key differences are its suspension and fixing system and accessory track connector (“arc track”), which allows the installation of geared cameras, lights and tactical and communication protection system (TCAP).
With ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) shell, the fast helmet is 25% lighter than any other latest ballistic helmet, has ultra-high hardness, and can perfectly fit all additional accessories. Therefore, it has become a favorite protective equipment for special forces and law enforcement agencies.
If you need to be able to install a lot of tactical equipment for the helmet, including camera, communication equipment and lighting equipment, and have complex routing requirements, and don’t want to be particularly bulky, then the fast helmet can perfectly meet all your needs!
What Material Does Bulletproof Helmet Use
Here are some of the main materials of helmets to date:
Kevlar
Kevlar is the most important material in bulletproof products. It is made of super durable plastic. Don’t underestimate this plastic.
It is more resistant to ballistic penetration than steel and other materials. In fact, on the basis of the same weight, its strength is five times that of steel. Kevlar fiber is heat-resistant, high tensile strength and light weight. It is the best material for making bulletproof products.
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), also known as Dyneema, provides good bulletproof ability when combined with other materials.
Although its creep resistance may not be as good as Kevlar, it also has its own unique advantages, such as much lighter weight and surprisingly high strength – 15 times stronger than steel!
Steel
And other materials, mainly used in early helmets before the emergence of scientific formula materials in previous decades.
Today, M1 helmets are still used by armies around the world for different activities, such as rescue operations, if not on the battlefield.
There are more…
Bulletproof helmets can also be made of other materials, including
Glass fiber – can be mixed in the shell of the helmet
Twaron – same as Kevlar material series
Carbon fiber – enhances the strength of some helmets by combining with other materials such as Kevlar
What Accessories Can Be Used On The Bulletproof Helmet?
Communication equipment
A communicator can be added to the helmet, so that you can always understand the dynamics of your teammates during the task, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the task!
Slide rail
A rail like track can be installed on the side, so that the equipment with video or lighting on your helmet can move freely, so as to record and cover a wider area.
Night vision goggles
If you need to install night vision goggles on your helmet, you need an NVG (night vision goggle) cover. This equipment allows you to wear goggles on your forehead and turn them towards your eyes when needed.
Automatic regulator
Different accessories can be integrated into the helmet to meet the needs of the wearer. For example:
Chin strap and fixing system can be adjusted according to your head circumference to fix the helmet in place.
The comfort cushion acts as a cushion to maintain the grip of the helmet.
There is also a full set of helmet lining system with functions such as sweat absorbing belt.
What kind of bulletproof helmet do I need?
To determine which ballistic helmet is suitable for your needs, you need to choose from a variety of helmets for different purposes in combination with your own prediction and use.
If you only need good basic protection without installing many accessories and communication equipment, pasgt helmet may be very suitable for you.
If night vision goggles and communication equipment are an important part of your task, the Mitch helmet is your most suitable equipment.
If you choose a helmet, balancing protection, function and mobility is the bottom line. Then fast helmet is the best choice for you. It is very light and allows the installation of a variety of portable devices.
If this article makes you interested in ballistic helmets, please leave us comments or questions below to let us know your views on helmets!
