The evolution of the combat helmet

The time in history decided what materials were used, and the army&#;s strategies affected how heavy and easy to move a soldier&#;s gear was. A soldier&#;s importance, no matter when or where, depended on their gear, especially the helmet, which was very important and expensive. The helmet protected the head and changed along with the weapons it was designed to defend against, showing how defense tools evolved over time.

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Worn by army soldiers

video by the U.S. Army, showcasing the ACH's protective capabilities.

The Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is the United States Army's current combat helmet, used since the early s. It was developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center,[2] the U.S. Army Special Operations Command,[3] and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory[4] to be the next generation of protective combat helmets for use by the American ground forces. The ACH is derived from the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet.[5]

The ACH is currently in the process of being phased out and replaced by the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), an improvement upon the ACH derived from its design; however, both the ACH and the newer ECH are being replaced by the Integrated Head Protection System.

History

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A soldier wearing the ACH in UCP pattern. A 4th Infantry Division soldier wearing an ACH helmet in the OCP pattern.

s

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The Advanced Combat Helmet was first fielded beginning in [N 1] in limited numbers to eventually replace the PASGT helmet.[6] In , 102,000 helmets were ordered from ArmorSource, of which 99,000 were delivered when the contract was fulfilled and properly closed. In , the Army introduced a ballistic "nape pad" that attaches to the ACH's rear suspension system. Of these, 430,000 were to be issued in the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI).[6] Beginning in , the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier outfitted soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division and 4th Infantry Division bound for Iraq with helmet-mounted sensors designed to gather data on head injuries (or traumatic brain injuries) caused during IED detonations. The data collected will help with the design of improvements to the ACH's suspension and chin strap systems.[7] In May , 55,000 of these were in storage and 44,000 were in use by U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. The 44,000 helmets in use by service members were recalled by the U.S. Army in May due to potentially defective materials being used.[8] Eventually, the contractor agreed to pay a $3 million fine, without admitting to any wrongdoing by the contractor.[9]

In May , 34,218 ACHs made by the Gentex Corporation were recalled. Certain screws attaching the chinstrap and other parts to the helmet did not conform to specifications in the contract. The screws failed ballistics tests at extreme temperatures. Gentex alleges its subcontractor had fabricated compliance certificates for the screws.[citation needed] An OCP cover for the Advanced Combat Helmet began fielding in late for soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.[10]

s

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On March 7, , Armorsource LLC agreed to pay $3 million to settle False Claims Act allegations.[11] Revision was awarded a contract for the ACH II contract.[12] The ACH and Lightweight Helmets will eventually be replaced by the Enhanced Combat Helmet and Integrated Head Protection System.

Design

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The shape of the ACH is virtually identical to the MICH TC-. Compared to the PASGT helmet, the front brow is eliminated to improve upwards visibility and allow easier mounting of night-vision goggle brackets. The side brim has been raised to the point that the entire lower brim of the helmet is "flat" compared to the PASGT which curves upwards at the back. This is to allow greater compatibility with communications headsets and improve hearing when headsets are not used.

The ACH uses ballistic fiber such as kevlar and twaron.[13] In , the Army developed and introduced a ballistic "nape pad" that attaches to the ACH's rear suspension system and coincided with the introduction of the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV).

The pad reduces soldier deaths from fragmentation wounds to the neck and lower head.[14][15]

The ACH comes from the factory painted sand tan, grey, black, or forest green. It is often worn with cloth helmet covers in various camouflage patterns including Universal Camouflage Pattern, Operational Camouflage Pattern, and the USAF's ABU pattern. The helmet cover may also have small squares of infrared reflective material on the sides, top, and rear which illuminate when viewed through thermal imaging, allowing for friend or foe identification during combat. The helmet can also be fitted with an elastic band with a pair of glow in the dark "cat eye" patches, similar to those seen on the older PASGT helmet. A pair of Cordura straps can be mounted on the rear of the helmet to aid in the retention of protective goggles. The ACH is also commonly seen with a mounting bracket on the front for night vision devices. These brackets often come in one of two designs; a tan or black "tombstone" shape that attaches to the helmet with a single screw through the center, or a larger tan diamond-shaped mount that attaches with three screws, one at each corner. The ACH can also be fitted with Picatinny rails on the sides of the helmet for mounting flashlights or digital cameras.

Variants

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Bullet-Proof Helmet.

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Enhanced Combat Helmet (Australia)

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Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet

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The Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (LW-ACH Gen II) weighs one pound less than the original ACH while offering the same ballistic protection.[16][17]

Users

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Notes

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1. ^

   Some sources report that the helmet was first fielded in .

References

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