| Lightweight Helmet | |
|---|---|
 USMC Lightweight Helmet in brown color | |
| Type | Helmet |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Used by | United States Marine Corps United States Navy |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1999–2003 |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems, Gentex Corporation |
| Produced | June 2003 – present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | approx. 3.2 lbs/1.45 kg |
TheLightweight Helmet (LWH), also known as theLightweight Marine Corps Helmet[1] orLightweight Marine Helmet, is an armored helmet that is used by theUnited States Marine Corps andU.S. Navy. It is the U.S. Marine Corps' replacement for thePASGTcombat helmet[2] and is derived from theModular Integrated Communications Helmet.
The helmet was rated by the manufacturer to stop penetrations of 124 gr, 9mm FMJ at 1450 (-50 + 0 ft/s).[3] This was a considerable improvement over the previous PASGT helmet.
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As it is nearly identical to untrained eyes in shape to the PASGT, outside the Marine Corps it is still called theFritz helmet orK-pot (due to its resemblance to the GermanStahlhelm). Though heavier than theUnited States Army'sAdvanced Combat Helmet, its larger size also offers more protection and is lighter than the PASGT. The reduced weight and increased protection is through the use ofTwaron, apara-aramid synthetic fiber.[3] Featuring a four-point retention strap system (compared to the two-point retention of the PASGT) and redesigned liner, it is considered more comfortable than the PASGT.[4]
The LWH was designed from 1999 to 2003, with prototype testing being conducted from 2000 to 2002 in California and North Carolina. 200,000 of the helmets entered service in mid-to-late 2003,[5] with an expected service life of 15 years. It completely replaced the PASGT in USMC frontline service by 2009. The LWH was made by the Pennsylvanian-based Gentex Corporation and BAE Systems in five sizes.[6][7] From 2007 onward, pads were installed in the helmet to improve comfort for wearers.[8]
Whereas the PASGT helmet's shell is olive drab, the LWH's is coyote brown[9] and can be fitted with clothhelmet covers, either originally made for the PASGT or more commonly those made for the LWH in desert and woodlandMARPAT, as well as a mounting bracket on the front for any sort of night vision device, such as theAN/PVS-7night vision goggle orAN/PVS-14monocularnight vision device (MNVD). Marines currently can be issued with a sling suspension or a pad suspension to fit the inside of the helmet to the head.[10] Anape protection system adds ballistic protection to the rear of the head was also added as to reduce strain and improve comfort to the back of the neck.[11]
 | This article needs to beupdated. The reason given is:"The end of 2013" has passed quite some time ago.. Please help update this section to reflect recent events or newly available information.(October 2020) |
The Marine Corps placed its first order for theEnhanced Combat Helmet in July 2013, and was fielded to deployed Marines by the end of 2013. The ECH is planned to equip all deployed Marines, while the Lightweight Helmet will still be used for training and noncombat purposes.[12] Beginning in 2021, a high cut ECH variant with attachment rails and a contour similar to theOps-Core FAST helmet already in use by special operations forces was issued to Marines in combat arms units.[13]
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