The Advanced Combat Helmet(ACH helmet), also known as the theatrette helmet, is the United States Army’s most modern combat helmet. It was first used in the Gulf War and has since been adopted by many other Special Operations forces worldwide. Many Special Forces such as the Army Airborne and Navy SEALS use an Ach helmet to protect them from injury when they face life-threatening situations daily.
An advanced helmet is designed with high-quality fabrics that are extremely lightweight and secure. The helmet padding consists of thick Neoprene combined with Kevlar plates. Neoprene is a very flexible synthetic material that is incredibly durable and strong. When combined with Kevlar plates, the thickness and stiffness of the Neoprene increase the helmet’s overall protection level. The increase in density helps the helmet to be even more shock-absorbing than a standard helmet.
Another way that a combat helmet is used is through the use of gun shield headgear. When a soldier is not in direct contact with an enemy, this headgear protects the soldier’s entire head. It offers protection from small arms fire, high-velocity projectiles, and other dangerous materials that can cause injury. The gun shield headgear is also useful in close-quarter battle situations when a soldier may be forced to make a split-second decision. This equipment helps the soldier stay focused on the mission at hand.
Advanced Combat Helmet also features a heat-resistant laminated comfort layer, reducing or eliminating any chaffing or blistering effect from the cold. This layer also provides increased comfort and thermal performance for the soldier. In addition, the Advanced Combat Helmet also features a fully vented ventilation system. This ventilation system allows a soldier to enjoy cool, comfortable headgear even during extremely hot or cold weather conditions. When combined with the comfort layers, the vented hood offers an effective temperature regulating mechanism that allows a soldier to stay protected from the heat while still experiencing a cool headwind.
Advanced Combat Helmet headers and padding are made with the same durable materials as all ACH helmets. They feature heavy-duty zippers and heavy-duty buckles. The toughest portion of the armor is found in the A-frame flap that protects the forehead and temple. This flap is padded with an anatomically contoured polyester mesh that has been specifically formulated to provide exceptional abrasion resistance, thermal insulation, and flexibility. Many soldiers continue to wear night-vision combat helmets, which provide superior vision under low light conditions.
