Ballistic helmets explained

The most-used materials for ballistic helmets

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Ballistic helmets come in different types. These types can be defined based on the choice of material used in the manufacture of the helmets.

Helmets made of Polyethylene and Aramid

Helmets made of polyethylene and aramid fibres offer high-level, low-weight protection against fragments and explosions. A downside is that impact from bullets deforms the material considerably, a development that can result in fatal injuries.

In addition, the protective surface of aramid helmets is smaller, as projectiles are only stopped at a greater distance from the edge. Nonetheless, this type of helmet is particularly suitable for military personnel exposed to threats of explosions and fragments, and in need of a lightweight helmet that can be worn for a stretch of time lasting several hours.

Titanium & Titanium Hybrid Helmets

Helmets made of titanium and a combination of titanium with aramid or polyethylene deform only slightly when struck by a bullet, and are bulletproof even along the periphery. Therefore, they offer a large surface of effective protection against bullets.

There are many reasons why titanium helmets are currently seen as the best ballistic helmets on the market. Here are the most important ones:

• MAXIMUM PROTECTIVE SURFACE

The helmet shell is bullet-resistant up to 10mm from the edge for all variants (in effect then, over 90% of the helmet surface is protective). By contrast, the protective surface of aramid helmets can be as little as 50%. For the same-surface ballistic helmets made of aramid, this is from 50-100%.

• HIGHEST DEGREE OF BULLET RESISTANCE

Titanium helmets have the highest degree of bullet resistance against ammunition types/calibers in the test levels VPAM 3 (9X19 DM 41 8.0g VM) and in the hybrid variants VPAM 4 (.44 Rem. Mag., FM J 16.2g and .357 Mag, KSVM 10.2g).

• SUPERIOR PROTECTIVE EFFECT

Helmets made of titanium provide superior protection against the residual energy transmitted by projectiles. According to the German Technical Guideline (TR), the 10-joules maximum residual energy value is well below the guideline&#;s 25-joules maximum permissible value and reaches only a fraction of the values usual for aramid helmets (which transmit approximately 60 to 120 joules for the same caliber ((9×19)). This value of aramid helmets usually corresponds to fatal injuries.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Bullet-Proof Helmet.

• MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Titanium helmets typically come with standardized interfaces for night-vision goggles, a protective mask, active hearing protection, radio, lamp, microphone, and other vital accessories.

Pure titanium helmets are heavier than aramid helmets. What&#;s more, they offer less protection against splinters. In comparison, titanium hybrid helmets are lighter than pure titanium helmets of the same protection classes and provide a higher comfort to the operator.

So, the hybrid helmets are often used by police and special forces units as they combine lower weight with higher protection as well as the best characteristics of both: titanium and aramid or polyethylene.

Aramid Fibers 

Aramid fibers are a key component in ballistic helmet manufacture. One of the most commonly used Aramid fibers is Kevlar (developed by DuPont), which is a proven material for its effectiveness and durability. Known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, they are exceptionally good at absorbing and dispersing impact energy. Kevlar, a longstanding icon of reliability in ballistic protection, is still a popular material because of its proven effectiveness and durability.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Fibers

Ultra-high molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are another alternative used for making ballistic helmets. Comparatively lighter than typical aramid fibers, UHMWPE still has high tensile strength. This property enables manufacturers of helmets to provide equivalent ballistic protection while improving wearer comfort and maneuverability.

Phenolic Resins

Phenolic resins are used to bind the ballistic fibers together, enhancing the shell&#;s rigidity and resistance against external stressors like heat, abrasion, and shear forces. Manufacturers use phenolic resins to make composite materials with improved structural integrity and ballistic performance by impregnating ballistic fibers with the resin and subjecting them to high temperatures and pressures.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of UHMWPE Fiber. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.