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This is just a quick overview of gas masks. I have a webpage with more info that is updated at http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/helmets.html
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The Personal Armor System Ground Troops Helmet (PASGT), also know as "pass-get" or "Fritz" helmet was developed in response to a military requirement for a more protective ballistic helmet. It extends farther over the ears and neck than previous helmets and provides extra comfort with its suspension system. Includes sweatband and chin strap.
Specifications:
USA NSN: 8470-01-092-7525.
Material: aramid ballistic fabric treated phenolic resin system.
Manufactured to specifications MIL - H - 44099 A.
V50 ballistic data meets: 1800 requirement of MIL - STD - 662 E.
Available in N.I.J. - STD - 0106.01 Armor: Type II / Type III A to stop 9mm at 425 m/s.
The suspension system is a nylon webbing assembly that screws to the helmet shell. These helmets feature a fully padded, fully adjustable head harness that gives the optimum stand off from the helmets inner shell and a three point retention chin strap to better resist helmet roll off during periods of high activity. The padded adjustable head harness was designed not only to allow the helmet to be worn comfortably, but also defeat trauma caused by the impact of blunt objects to the helmets outer shell.
The PASGT Helmet has a sliding sizing system constructed of nylon and leather. The retention system is a sling-suspension design with a chin strap.
This helmet offers both fragmentation and ballistic protection and is rated at a Threat Level II.
These helmets are being sold for about $95.00 each in the Army Surplus stores around military bases right now if you can find them. $129.00 to $139.00 at Cheaper Than Dirt, which has them in stock. U.S.Cavalry and Ranger Joe's Don't forget to check Ebay. PASGT helmets are going for about $90.00 there.
You can get PASGT cloth helmet covers in woodland camo, black or 3 color desert camo for about #11.00. There is also an elastic helmet band available for $5.00 to sew you "Cat Eyes" onto or bands with cat eyes already on them. Cat eyes are 2 little light reflective pieces of cloth seen onto the back of hats or helmet bands to enable someone walking behind you in the dark to see and follow you. All this is at Ranger Joe's
Many people also like the British Army Kevlar MK6 helmet for it's better suspension system.
According to the US PASGT helmet manual, to find your helmet size, measure your head circumference with a tape just above the bony eyebrow ridges and above your ears.
Inches CM Hat size Size
20 3/8" 52 6 1/2 X-small
20 3/4" 53 6 5/8 X-small
21 1/8" 54 6 3/4 Small
21 1/2" 55 6 7/8 Small
22" 56 7 Medium
22 3/8" 57 7 1/8 Medium
22 3/4" 58 7 1/4 Large
23 1/8" 59 7 3/8 Large
23 1/2" 60 7 1/2 Large
24" 61 7 5/8 Large
24 3/8" 62 7 3/4 X-Large
Good website with more info on helmets. http://www.specwargear.com/helmet-1.html This website may be offline due to the situation in Afghanistan.
The Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet An Illustrated Study by Mark A. Reynosa ISBN: 0764310348, 8 1/2" x 11", over 115 color and b/w photographs, approx. 115 pages, soft cover.
SEALS, PJs SF and CCT are also using Pro_tec helmets in airborne and waterborne ops, although these helmets lack the bullistic protection of the PASGT helmet. The Pro-Tec helmet is light and easier on the wearer. I'm off the opinion a heavy helmet is used in a defensive position and not while patrolling or raids.
Combat helmet is a general purpose ballistic helmet for modern combat soldier. It features a lower profile design than PASGT helmet and is the leading choice of small unit special forces. It utilizes excellent performance of aramid, bound in a thermoplastic resin matrix. The cotton webbing three-point chin strap ensures excellent stability of wearing. Plastic chin cup is easy to clean and much hygienic than leather or fabric materials.
There is another verson of the PASGT helmet, the Combat Helmet is currently used by SEALS, USAF PJs, SWAT and other special forces. I have seen this version only at U.S. Cavalry for $325.00.
=======================================================
The History of the PASGT Helmet.
by Charles A. Simpson
The PASGT helmet grew out of a research effort initiated by the Army's Natick Research Lab in the early 1970's that was intended to lighten the load carried by infantry soldiers. Since the helmet and the flak jacket represented a fair amount of weight, it was hoped that the use of the aramid fibers (Kevlar) instead of steel might help ease the soldier's burden. As the program evolved, the emphasis changed from making a lighter helmet to making a more protective helmet at a weight equivalent to the M-1 Steel Pot.
After determining that the kevlar technology was practical, a Natick team, led by Phil Durand, initiated a very detailed anthropometric study of the human head in order to determine the optimum dimensions of the new helmet. This data was very important since many of the problems inherent in the M-1 Steel Pot, such as instability, were the result of the fact that it fit most soldiers poorly. It was scientifically determined that new helmet would require three sizes (small, medium, and large) to accommodate most male soldiers.
The original sizing plan was soon changed because of pressure from Congress to provide helmets for the large number of women (theoretically non-combantants) entering service in the Army and Marines during the 1980's. Since women, on average, have smaller heads than men, this required the creation of the extra-small size helmet.
The original sizing plan was further distorted during the Persian Gulf War when a extra-large size was manufactured. Supposedly, the extra-large size was created to accommodate the unusually large cranium of an individual senior Army commander.
A special production run of one thousand extra-large helmets was made at the Unicor (Federal Prison Industries) factory. At present, there are no plans to produce the extra-large again, making it an extremely rare variant.
Although the contour of the PASGT helmet is frequently compared to that of the NAZI helmet by casual observers, it was not modeled after the German M-35. The slight similarity in contour is the result of the fact that the Germans designers and Natick Lab personnel used similar methods to determine the shape of the helmet. Both countries' researchers relied on wound probabilities, equipment interaction studies, and the anthropometric data to establish the contours.
The people at Natick do not like to hear their helmet compared to the German M-35. US helmet designers have been very sensitive about comparisons to German helmets ever since one of their best designs, the Slade #5, was rejected during WW I for looking too much like a German M-16.
The first prototype PASGT helmets were made in two materials, fiberglass and kevlar. The ballistic-resistance performance of the two materials was about the same; however, fiberglass didn't hold up as well in the durability tests as kevlar.
Two hundred helmets of each type were made for testing. These prototypes are easily identified because have the woodland camo pattern painted directly on the shell. This was done to enhance the marketability of the helmet to the U.S.Army - no one at Natick ever intended to field a helmet with the camo painted directly on the shell. The prototypes were made by a small marine fiberglass molding shop in Mass. called Geonautic, Inc.
Once the helmet was adopted, there was some controversy about what to call it. Some at Natick wanted to call it the Duramac since Durand and McManus were the two fellows primarily involved with the project; however, it was eventually decided to call it the Personal Armor System, Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet.
The term "armor system" refers to the fact that the kevlar vest is usually worn with the helmet. The current kevlar PASGT vest was designed by the same team that designed the PASGT helmet.
Shortly after the PASGT was issued to the army, one of the primary manufacturers, Gentex, Inc of Carbondale, Pa., developed a variation on the helmet that was intended as an industrial hardhat. One thousand of these were purchased by Keydril, Inc., an international oilwell drilling contractor.
The hardhat version of the PASGT was not successful due to its high cost, excessive weight, and unusually looks. Consequently, Gentex withdrew it from production after the Keydril purchase.
The PASGT helmet has been widely imitated by other countries. PASGT-style helmets are currently used in Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Serbia, Estonia, Croatia, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and China.
Since being first issued, the PASGT helmet has undergone several refinements.
The Kevlar originally used in the dome of the PASGT helmet has been replaced with new materials. Helmets made for the U.S. Army are now fabricated from Kevlar II, a material with a noticeably tighter weave than the old Kevlar. The soon-to-be-issued helmets made for the U.S. Marines will be fabricated from Spectra.
Spectra helmets are readily identified since Spectra is not a woven material. It remains to be seen if the Spectra PASGT helmets will be successful since this material is much more difficult to mold than kevlar. Unless the manufacturing process is carefully controlled, past experiments have shown that the Spectra helmets tend to delaminate very easily under field conditions.
The PASGT liner has also been modified from the original design. The leather portion of the liner has been widened, and the design of the clips that attach the sweatband to the webbing has been changed. A special, disposable, shock-absorbing liner insert has also been issued to paratroopers to provide more "bump" protection during jumps.
A modified chinstrap, using a three point system, has been issued on an experimental basis. The U.S. Army used some of these helmets during the peacekeeping mission in Haiti. The current thinking is three point chinstrap will not be adopted due to some interoperability problems with certain equipment.
A highly modified PAGST variant, the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), providing improved protection, utility and comfort, will be issued to the Special Operations Forces in 2001. The MICH is shallower than the PASGT and uses a different version of Kevlar combined with different bonding techniques. This helmet has been specifically designed to defeat a 9 mm round.
The MICH uses a new seven-pad suspension system. The suspension pads are composed partly of comfort foam and "slow-memory" impact foam. The suspension is attached to the dome of the helmet by a series of glued-on strips of Velcro.
The MICH uses a four-point chinstrap and in only made in medium and large, with different sized pads used to account for the vast majority of sizes in between. If the MICH proves successful, it may become the helmet of the Army's Land Warrior Program.
================================================
The Personal Armor System Ground Troops Helmet (PASGT), also know as "pass-get" or "Fritz" helmet was developed in response to a military requirement for a more protective ballistic helmet. It extends farther over the ears and neck than previous helmets and provides extra comfort with its suspension system. Includes sweatband and chin strap.
Specifications:
USA NSN: 8470-01-092-7525.
Material: aramid ballistic fabric treated phenolic resin system.
Manufactured to specifications MIL - H - 44099 A.
V50 ballistic data meets: 1800 requirement of MIL - STD - 662 E.
Available in N.I.J. - STD - 0106.01 Armor: Type II / Type III A to stop 9mm at 425 m/s.
The suspension system is a nylon webbing assembly that screws to the helmet shell. These helmets feature a fully padded, fully adjustable head harness that gives the optimum stand off from the helmets inner shell and a three point retention chin strap to better resist helmet roll off during periods of high activity. The padded adjustable head harness was designed not only to allow the helmet to be worn comfortably, but also defeat trauma caused by the impact of blunt objects to the helmets outer shell.
The PASGT Helmet has a sliding sizing system constructed of nylon and leather. The retention system is a sling-suspension design with a chin strap.
This helmet offers both fragmentation and ballistic protection and is rated at a Threat Level II.
These helmets are being sold for about $95.00 each in the Army Surplus stores around military bases right now if you can find them. $129.00 to $139.00 at Cheaper Than Dirt, which has them in stock. U.S.Cavalry and Ranger Joe's Don't forget to check Ebay. PASGT helmets are going for about $90.00 there.
You can get PASGT cloth helmet covers in woodland camo, black or 3 color desert camo for about #11.00. There is also an elastic helmet band available for $5.00 to sew you "Cat Eyes" onto or bands with cat eyes already on them. Cat eyes are 2 little light reflective pieces of cloth seen onto the back of hats or helmet bands to enable someone walking behind you in the dark to see and follow you. All this is at Ranger Joe's
Many people also like the British Army Kevlar MK6 helmet for it's better suspension system.
According to the US PASGT helmet manual, to find your helmet size, measure your head circumference with a tape just above the bony eyebrow ridges and above your ears.
Inches CM Hat size Size
20 3/8" 52 6 1/2 X-small
20 3/4" 53 6 5/8 X-small
21 1/8" 54 6 3/4 Small
21 1/2" 55 6 7/8 Small
22" 56 7 Medium
22 3/8" 57 7 1/8 Medium
22 3/4" 58 7 1/4 Large
23 1/8" 59 7 3/8 Large
23 1/2" 60 7 1/2 Large
24" 61 7 5/8 Large
24 3/8" 62 7 3/4 X-Large
Good website with more info on helmets. http://www.specwargear.com/helmet-1.html This website may be offline due to the situation in Afghanistan.
The Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet An Illustrated Study by Mark A. Reynosa ISBN: 0764310348, 8 1/2" x 11", over 115 color and b/w photographs, approx. 115 pages, soft cover.
SEALS, PJs SF and CCT are also using Pro_tec helmets in airborne and waterborne ops, although these helmets lack the bullistic protection of the PASGT helmet. The Pro-Tec helmet is light and easier on the wearer. I'm off the opinion a heavy helmet is used in a defensive position and not while patrolling or raids.
Combat helmet is a general purpose ballistic helmet for modern combat soldier. It features a lower profile design than PASGT helmet and is the leading choice of small unit special forces. It utilizes excellent performance of aramid, bound in a thermoplastic resin matrix. The cotton webbing three-point chin strap ensures excellent stability of wearing. Plastic chin cup is easy to clean and much hygienic than leather or fabric materials.
There is another verson of the PASGT helmet, the Combat Helmet is currently used by SEALS, USAF PJs, SWAT and other special forces. I have seen this version only at U.S. Cavalry for $325.00.
=======================================================
The History of the PASGT Helmet.
by Charles A. Simpson
The PASGT helmet grew out of a research effort initiated by the Army's Natick Research Lab in the early 1970's that was intended to lighten the load carried by infantry soldiers. Since the helmet and the flak jacket represented a fair amount of weight, it was hoped that the use of the aramid fibers (Kevlar) instead of steel might help ease the soldier's burden. As the program evolved, the emphasis changed from making a lighter helmet to making a more protective helmet at a weight equivalent to the M-1 Steel Pot.
After determining that the kevlar technology was practical, a Natick team, led by Phil Durand, initiated a very detailed anthropometric study of the human head in order to determine the optimum dimensions of the new helmet. This data was very important since many of the problems inherent in the M-1 Steel Pot, such as instability, were the result of the fact that it fit most soldiers poorly. It was scientifically determined that new helmet would require three sizes (small, medium, and large) to accommodate most male soldiers.
The original sizing plan was soon changed because of pressure from Congress to provide helmets for the large number of women (theoretically non-combantants) entering service in the Army and Marines during the 1980's. Since women, on average, have smaller heads than men, this required the creation of the extra-small size helmet.
The original sizing plan was further distorted during the Persian Gulf War when a extra-large size was manufactured. Supposedly, the extra-large size was created to accommodate the unusually large cranium of an individual senior Army commander.
A special production run of one thousand extra-large helmets was made at the Unicor (Federal Prison Industries) factory. At present, there are no plans to produce the extra-large again, making it an extremely rare variant.
Although the contour of the PASGT helmet is frequently compared to that of the NAZI helmet by casual observers, it was not modeled after the German M-35. The slight similarity in contour is the result of the fact that the Germans designers and Natick Lab personnel used similar methods to determine the shape of the helmet. Both countries' researchers relied on wound probabilities, equipment interaction studies, and the anthropometric data to establish the contours.
The people at Natick do not like to hear their helmet compared to the German M-35. US helmet designers have been very sensitive about comparisons to German helmets ever since one of their best designs, the Slade #5, was rejected during WW I for looking too much like a German M-16.
The first prototype PASGT helmets were made in two materials, fiberglass and kevlar. The ballistic-resistance performance of the two materials was about the same; however, fiberglass didn't hold up as well in the durability tests as kevlar.
Two hundred helmets of each type were made for testing. These prototypes are easily identified because have the woodland camo pattern painted directly on the shell. This was done to enhance the marketability of the helmet to the U.S.Army - no one at Natick ever intended to field a helmet with the camo painted directly on the shell. The prototypes were made by a small marine fiberglass molding shop in Mass. called Geonautic, Inc.
Once the helmet was adopted, there was some controversy about what to call it. Some at Natick wanted to call it the Duramac since Durand and McManus were the two fellows primarily involved with the project; however, it was eventually decided to call it the Personal Armor System, Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet.
The term "armor system" refers to the fact that the kevlar vest is usually worn with the helmet. The current kevlar PASGT vest was designed by the same team that designed the PASGT helmet.
Shortly after the PASGT was issued to the army, one of the primary manufacturers, Gentex, Inc of Carbondale, Pa., developed a variation on the helmet that was intended as an industrial hardhat. One thousand of these were purchased by Keydril, Inc., an international oilwell drilling contractor.
The hardhat version of the PASGT was not successful due to its high cost, excessive weight, and unusually looks. Consequently, Gentex withdrew it from production after the Keydril purchase.
The PASGT helmet has been widely imitated by other countries. PASGT-style helmets are currently used in Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Serbia, Estonia, Croatia, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and China.
Since being first issued, the PASGT helmet has undergone several refinements.
The Kevlar originally used in the dome of the PASGT helmet has been replaced with new materials. Helmets made for the U.S. Army are now fabricated from Kevlar II, a material with a noticeably tighter weave than the old Kevlar. The soon-to-be-issued helmets made for the U.S. Marines will be fabricated from Spectra.
Spectra helmets are readily identified since Spectra is not a woven material. It remains to be seen if the Spectra PASGT helmets will be successful since this material is much more difficult to mold than kevlar. Unless the manufacturing process is carefully controlled, past experiments have shown that the Spectra helmets tend to delaminate very easily under field conditions.
The PASGT liner has also been modified from the original design. The leather portion of the liner has been widened, and the design of the clips that attach the sweatband to the webbing has been changed. A special, disposable, shock-absorbing liner insert has also been issued to paratroopers to provide more "bump" protection during jumps.
A modified chinstrap, using a three point system, has been issued on an experimental basis. The U.S. Army used some of these helmets during the peacekeeping mission in Haiti. The current thinking is three point chinstrap will not be adopted due to some interoperability problems with certain equipment.
A highly modified PAGST variant, the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), providing improved protection, utility and comfort, will be issued to the Special Operations Forces in 2001. The MICH is shallower than the PASGT and uses a different version of Kevlar combined with different bonding techniques. This helmet has been specifically designed to defeat a 9 mm round.
The MICH uses a new seven-pad suspension system. The suspension pads are composed partly of comfort foam and "slow-memory" impact foam. The suspension is attached to the dome of the helmet by a series of glued-on strips of Velcro.
The MICH uses a four-point chinstrap and in only made in medium and large, with different sized pads used to account for the vast majority of sizes in between. If the MICH proves successful, it may become the helmet of the Army's Land Warrior Program.
