Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1034474
would cause discomfort if used for a prolonged period of time. A modular helmet also prevents situations when a ballistic helmet would have to be carried in a backpack (it would have to be pulled out only after reaching the object), where it would take up valuable space. The ballistic appliques do away with additional weight and take up much less space after packing. Ballistic Appliques, are fixed to the shell with the use of durable Velcro. In addi- tion, the rear applique is stabilized with a horizontal strap to the side rail screws. There is hardly any need to worry that any of the components will become de- tached on their own, even during parachute jumps. The shell of the Caiman Hybrid helmet is about 5 mm thick and has ten slits for ventilation. The carbon fibers offer high resistance to mechanical impact and crushing, hence their choice as a base. With the addition of modular appliques, the High Cut helmet becomes a ballistic helmet that provides resistance to 1.1 gram of fragments moving at 670 m/s and to 9 mm Parabellum, 44 Magnum, and 357 SIG rounds (NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA). T this is not the highest possible lev- el of ballistic protection, but such requirements have been set by USSOCOM for the FHTS program since it is about maintaining an appropriate balance between weight, area of protection, and mobility and comfort. Another member of the family is Caiman Ballistic, a fully-featured ballistic hel- met, with the shell of same shape as Caiman Hybrid, but is made of ballistic polyethylene, most likely reinforced with carbon or glass fiber (the manufacturer does not officially disclose information about the composite of which the shell is made). Caiman Ballistic ensures full ballistic protection in accordance with the US Army ACH helmet standard, but with the additional ballistic appliques, it can be increased to protection level allowing to stop 7.62 x 39 AK rounds. This applique was demonstrated during AUSA 2016. www.fragoutmag.com