Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/958224
were made of resin with two basis weights of 11.6 and 9.2 km/m2 in order to stimulate the final weight of the helmet in version with the same and higher ballistic protection level than M1. The helmets had the final size and thickness and the shells were camouflage painted. They were equipped with the final version of suspen- sion and handed over for field testing in April 1974 at the HEL as a part of the Personnel Armor System. Two types of body armor were also tested there. The aim of the tests was to determine whether the helmets were comfortable, whether the shape should be changed and whether they could actually serve for seamless performance of all tasks. Heavier helmets were used during the testing with a body armor of higher protec- tion level, while lighter helmets were in combination with low-protection vests. Both systems were com- pared with the set consisting of an M69 body armor and M1 helmet. In the end, both types of helmet were deemed promising and their level of comfort and com- patibility with weapons and garments was considered far better than in the case of their predecessors. Hel- mets tested in April 1974 are very often described as made of GRP, while they were resin helmets that did not provide any protection, but they had the shape and size such as the final combat helmet. LARGE SCALE SIZING TESTS In July 1974, large-scale tests were conducted for the helmets among a group of 400 soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). For that purpose, the testing included the molds constructed for the re- search at the HEL but instead of making full shells, helmets were constructed from a transparent material. PASGT helmet interior. PASGT helmet inte- rior prepared for use during parachute jumps. 1985-dated helmet with early chinstrap with cotton cup piece. The paratrooper's acces- sories and cover are 1980/1990. www.fragoutmag.com