Are Tactical Helmets Bulletproof?
When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE) for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders, few items are as critical as a tactical helmet. Also known as combat helmets, these helmets are designed to provide protection against a wide range of threats, from ballistic projectiles to blunt traumas. But are they truly bulletproof?
Answer: It’s Complicated
The short answer to this question is no. Tactical helmets are not literally bulletproof. However, they are designed to defeat specific types of threats with varying levels of success.
What Makes a Helmet "Bulletproof"?
To understand what makes a helmet "bulletproof", it’s essential to examine the concept of ballistic rating. Ballistic rating systems, such as the UK’s HOSDB methodology or the US’s DoD 00-21-1 standard, involve testing helmets against specific projectile types and velocities to evaluate their ability to absorb the impact.
Types of Ballistic Threats
Tactical helmets are typically designed to defeat the following types of ballistic threats:
• Small Arms Threats: These include threats from handguns, rifles, and submachine guns using various types of ammunition. Helmets are tested using 9mm and 7.62mm lead-core bullets, as well as armor-piercing (AP) and subsonic rounds.
• Fragmentation Threats: These include shrapnel from explosions, particularly from artillery and mortar bombs. Helmets are designed to protect against fragmentation over a specific range of masses and velocities.
• Blunt Trauma: Helmets are also tested against blunt trauma, simulating the impact of hard objects, such as car crashes or falls.
Ballistic Rating Systems
Different countries and organizations employ various ballistic rating systems to evaluate the performance of helmets. Some common systems include:
| Rating System | Description |
|---|---|
| UK (HOSDB) | Helmets are rated under the UK’s Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) methodology using a 9mm HP (high-velocity bullet) and a 762x63mm (mm) AP (armor-piercing) round |
| US (DoD 00-21-1) | The US Department of Defense (DoD) uses the NATO STANAG 2800 standard, which test helmets against 7.62x63mm FN (full metal jacketed) and 9x19mm FMJ rounds |
| NATO STANAG 2920 | This standard tests helmets against 7.62x63mm FMJ rounds and 9x19mm FMJ rounds |
| European Standard ( EN 1385) | This standard tests helmets against 9mm FMJ and 7.65x25mm Parabellum rounds |
What Do the Ratings Mean?
Ballistic helmet ratings can be confusing. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Level: Helmets are often categorized into levels, such as Class I, II, III, or IV, denoting the level of ballistic protection they provide.
- Rating: Helmets may be rated in one of three ways:
- Protection against handgun threats: Helmets provide protection against handgun threats to a specific level (e.g., 9x19mm FMJ).
- Protection against intermediate threats: Helmets protect against intermediate threats, typically 7.62mm FMJ rounds.
- Protection against military threats: Helmets safeguard against military threats, primarily 7.62mm AP rounds.
Comparing Tactical Helmets: A Look at Popular Brands
Several well-known helmet manufacturers offer tactical helmets claiming various levels of ballistic protection. Here’s a summary of some popular brands’ offerings:
| Brand | Description | Ballistic Rating (UK HOSDB method) |
|---|---|---|
| Crye | The Crye ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) is a popular US-made helmet. | Protects against 9x19mm FMJ bullets, but not AP bullets |
| Milo | The Milo MARPAT (Marine Combat Utility Uniform) helmet, used by the USMC, offers protection against ballistic threats. | Protects against 9x19mm FMJ bullets, intermediate threats, and some rifle rounds |
| Ballistic | The Ballistic Helmet (BH-S) from the US Navy’s Special Warfare Command | Protects against 7.62x63mm FMJ rounds and certain rifle rounds |
Conclusion
Tactical helmets are remarkable pieces of equipment designed to protect against a wide range of threats. While some helmets may claim to be "bulletproof", in reality, they are built to defeat specific types of ballistic threats within a set range. Understanding the varying ballistic rating systems and understanding what each rating means will help you make an informed decision when selecting a tactical helmet.
Remember, each helmet has its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. Always research the specific properties and ratings of a particular helmet before making a purchase.
