Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/958224
Helmet shells had 13 holes drilled at key locations to allow determining whether the adopted standoff had been satisfied. Due to the fact that 5% of the mea- surements did not fall within the required standoff limit, sculptors from Natick slightly modified the molds that would be used for making future helmets. The molds were used as the basis for creation of metal molds that were to be used in further helmet tests. At that stage, the research program of the new helmet was finished and its assumptions claimed as satisfied. Actually, the program resulted in two versions – one with lower and one higher ballistic protection, three metal molds that finally defined the shape of the inner part of the helmet, and suspension. New helmets met all the expectations. The final report on the program was filed in January 1976. However, the works did not end there. FuRTHER PREPRODuCTION TESTS A set of tests and research was conducted from January 1976 to July 1978. First of all, people respon- sible for Personnel Armor System eventually removed the version that had the same protection class but low- er weight than M1 helmet. Introduction of two different systems was of no use. The final choice regarded the more protective helmet and vest so, ultimately, the hel- met was to be made of Kevlar29 combined with resin with basis weight of 11.6 kg/m2. The camouflage paint on the shells was also abandoned in favor of camou- flage covers. The helmet was given a coarse texture, as in M1 helmets, and solid OD7 color. Meanwhile, the designers developed a special pad for paratroopers made of Ensolite (closed-cell foam) and a strap called "bunny ears" that stabilized the helmet during The United States Marine Corps replaced PASGT helmets with LW (Lightweight Helmet) helmets. The shape is similar to old PASGT. In the picture there is LW helmet with earlier type of suspension. Late production version of LW with adjustable pads suspension. equipment