WHAT IS A BULLETPROOF HELMET? A bulletproof helmet,or more accuratelyballistic helmet,is a tactical helmet designed to protect the wearer's head from ballistic impact like bullets and blast debris. it isacommon piece of gear for law enforcement ,soldiers,or civilians looking for extra ballisticprotection .
TYPES OF BULLETPROOF HELMETS AND THEIR USAGE Today, there are three main types of helmets on the market:the Future Assault Shell Technology helmet(known as the FAST helmet) , the Modular Integrated Communications(MICH) helmet,and the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops(PA SGT)helmet. Each helmet has a different history,design,and purpose.
PASGT The oldest and perhaps most influential design of the three ballistic helmets available for general purchase today,the PASGThelmet is still in use today by the U.S.Army Reserve and the U.S.Navy for sailors on warships. Key features of this helmet include an outer shell usually of ballistic fabric,a low cut design over the ears,and a lip over the brow.It is available in a range of colors and patterns for use in different branches of the armed forces .Theywere not initially meant for accessories,but can be adapted to fit with add-on accessories such as amount assembly for nightvision goggles or a riot control visor.
MICH OR ACH The MICH is the next generation of the PASGT. It was meant to be a ballistic helmet lighter and more comfortableyet still as protective as its predecessor and was later renamed the Advanced Combat Helmet(ACH) .It comes in a range ofcamouflage patterns or solid black for use by SWAT teams. Two other main features in the MICH's creation was that the helmet could easily be mounted with a accessories and wouldn't shift forward over the eyes .The brow was eliminated and the sides were raised,resulting in 8%less coverage but improvedvisibility,comfort,and situational awareness,a worthwhile trade-off. Rails were also added along the sides for mounting accessories without the need to drill into the helmet .The MICH is currently one of the helmets used by a number of armed forces.
FAST Today,a number of special ops forces use different variants of the FAST helmet. One immediately noticeable trait of the FAST setting it apart from any other ballistic helmet is that it features high cut sides,leaving the ears exposed.The helmet then curves back down to protect the occipital bone at the back of the head. The original purpose of this high cut ear design was for use in maritime special operations. More traditional helmet models proved hazardous to wear at sea when travelling at high speeds because water could catch in the ear cups. The helmet's high cut and the side rail system allow for the mounting of additional combat accessories including earphones,electronic earmuffs,and a night vision goggle shroud.Obviously,a MICH helmet supports these accessories too,but another distinguishing feature of the FAST is its weight. It is usually lighter than the MICH helmet.