Frag Out! Magazine
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ary 1990). The only contracts signed in the 1990s re- garded the Medium size, but only two such contracts were awarded: SPO100-94-F-EF64 and SPO100-95- F-EA28 awarded in 1994 and 1997. Production of new helmet shells was resumed no sooner than after execution of the contracts in 3Q2000 – and the contracts launched in 2001. New helmets had suspension that had been introduced several years before as spare parts/modernization. Although the hel- mets were, theoretically, still produced in FS 34087, the colors resembled at that time CARC Green 393 or CG483. Due to the changed suspension, the helmets included a new manual and a upgrade sweatband. The production of XS helmets ceased with the contract SPO100-03-D-EC69 (5 November 2004). Production of other sizes (S, M, L, and XL) ended with orders being a part of the contract SPM1C1-07-D-0029 (delivered 31 January or 10 May 2007, depending on sizes). Helmets were non-disposable equipment, so there was no need for their continuous production. Helmets returned by soldiers were disassembled, cleaned, given new rubber edge cover, new suspension, and re-painted. After such restoration, the helmets were returned to service. There was nothing surprising in soldiers serving in the 2000s who had helmets from 1980s, but with new suspension or accessories. Ac- cording to the specification, helmets had no useful life expiration date. SuSPENSION AND bOLTS The suspension was produced in form of a basket made from a 1" nylon webbing, just like in the sample versions. The depth of the basket was adjusted with a Velcro that drew the string at its top. The suspension was produced in five sizes and they could not be used interchangeably with other. The NSNs of suspension from XS to L are: from 8470-01-092-7516 to 8470-01- 092-7519 (to be honest, I did not find the number for the XL). All of them were produced from a OD7 ban, so if you buy such a suspension as a spare part, there is no chance of buying an incorrect color version, as far as it is fully made from a 1" webbing. The last contract for suspension webbings of the original type, DLA100- 90-F-EB45, was signed on 12 January 1991. The suspension was modified on 11 March 1997. The band connected with the sweatband was extend- ed and facilitated with a Velcro for the attachment of a new sweatband. At the same time, the webbing was softer, in a weave that we know, for example, from the reinforcements in Jungle Boots. The color was changed to CG483. New NSNs were assigned to the suspensions: Ä XS: 8470-01-442-2969 Ä S: 8470-01-442-2990 Ä M: 8470-01-442-2995 Ä L: 8470-01-442-3001 Ä XL: 8470-01-442-3021 The first contract, SPO100-98-D-EC17, was signed on 6 January 1998. Such suspension were used no sooner than in helmets produced since 2001 or as re- placement. Production of CG483 suspension ended with the contract SPO100-01-D-EC56 (17 November 2004). At the same time as introduction of ACUs and ACHs, it was impossible to issue the whole army with the new gear. That is why a set of parts fit for the new camouflage was designed for PASGT helmets. Sus- pension in Foliage Green 504 were standardized on 26 April 2005. NSNs were the following: Ä XS: 8470-01-529-6574 Ä S: 8470-01-529-6577 Ä M: 8470-01-529-6578 Ä L: 8470-01-529-6602 Ä XL: 8470-01-529-6609 Only one contract was issued, SPO100-06-D-4110, as a part of which several orders were made between 20 March and 22 November 2006. The suspension was fixed to the helmet shell with six bolts and A-shaped nuts. Pads were made of an alloy of chemically blackened and galvanized steel. Unfortunately, they are very susceptible to corrosion. When buying a helmet, it is a good idea to buy a spare set. SWEATbAND The early version of the PASGT sweatband was pro- duced from OD7 1" nylon band with a soft pile fastener and covered with leather on the side that had contact with the user's head. The sweatband was attached with six spring steel clasps, the fastening and releasing of which required great precision and a fine pocket knife. www.fragoutmag.com