| Advanced Combat Helmet | |
|---|---|
 ACH side view | |
| Type | Combat helmet |
| Place of origin | United States of America |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003-present |
| Used by | SeeUsers |
| Wars | In U.S. service: In non-U.S. service: Mexican drug war |
| Production history | |
| Designer | U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center |
| Manufacturer | ArmorSource Gentex MKU[1] |
| Variants | Generation II Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | Without cover: Less than 3 lb (1.36 kg) (Small) 3 lb (1.36 kg) (Medium) 3.3 lb (1.50 kg) (Large) 3.8 lb (1.72 kg) (X-Large)[2] |
TheAdvanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is theUnited States Army's currentcombat helmet, used since the early 2000s. It was developed by theU.S. Army Soldier Systems Center,[3] theU.S. Army Special Operations Command,[4] and theU.S. Army Research Laboratory[5] to be the next generation of protective combat helmets for use by the American ground forces. The ACH is derived from theModular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH).[6]
The ACH is currently in the process of being phased out and replaced by theEnhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), an improvement upon the ACH derived from its design; however, both the ACH and the newer ECH are being replaced by theIntegrated Head Protection System (IHPS).
The Advanced Combat Helmet was first fielded beginning in 2003[n 1] in limited numbers to eventually replace thePASGT helmet.[7]
In 2006, 102,000 helmets were ordered from ArmorSource, of which 99,000 were delivered when the contract was fulfilled and properly closed.
In 2007, the Army introduced a ballistic "nape pad" that attaches to the ACH's rear suspension system. Of these, 430,000 were to be issued in the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI).[7]
Beginning in 2008, the Army'sProgram Executive Office Soldier outfitted soldiers of the101st Airborne Division and4th Infantry Division bound for Iraq with helmet-mounted sensors designed to gather data on head injuries (or traumatic brain injuries) caused duringIED detonations. The data collected will help in the designing of improvements for the ACH's suspension and chin strap systems.[8]
In May 2009, 55,000 of these were in storage and 44,000 were in use by U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. The 44,000 helmets in use by service members were recalled by the U.S. Army in May 2010 due to potentially defective materials being used.[9] Eventually, the contractor agreed to pay a $3 million fine, without admitting to any wrongdoing by the contractor.[10]
In May 2009, 34,218 ACHs made byGentex Corporation were recalled. Certain screws attaching the chinstrap and other parts to the helmet did not conform to specifications in the contract. The screws failed ballistics tests at extreme temperatures. Gentex alleges its subcontractor had fabricated the compliance certificates for the screws.[citation needed]
Beginning in late 2009, anOEF-CP (MultiCam) helmet cover for the Advanced Combat Helmet was issued to soldiers deployed in Afghanistan.[11]
On 7 March 2016, Armorsource LLC agreed to pay $3 million to settle False Claims Act allegations.[12] Revision was awarded a contract for the ACH II contract.[13]
The ACH andLightweight Helmet (LWH) will eventually be replaced by theEnhanced Combat Helmet andIntegrated Head Protection System (IHPS).
The shape of the ACH is virtually identical to theMICH TC-2000. Compared to the PASGT helmet, the front brow is eliminated to improve upwards visibility and allow easier mounting of night-vision goggle brackets. The side brim has been raised to the point that the entire lower brim of the helmet is "flat" compared to the PASGT which curves upwards at the back. This is to allow greater compatibility with communications headsets and improve hearing when headsets are not used.
The ACH uses ballistic fiber such askevlar andtwaron.[14]
In 2007, the Army developed and introduced a ballistic "nape pad" that attaches to the ACH's rear suspension system and coincided with the introduction of theImproved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV). The pad reduces soldier deaths from fragmentation wounds to the neck and lower head.[15][16]
The ACH comes from the factory painted sand tan, grey, black, or forest green (officially designated as Camouflage Green 383).[17] It is often worn with clothhelmet covers in various camouflage patterns includingUniversal Camouflage Pattern,Operational Camouflage Pattern, and the USAF'sABU pattern. The helmet cover may also have small squares ofinfrared reflective material on the sides, top, and rear which illuminate when viewed throughthermal imaging, allowing forfriend or foe identification during combat. The helmet can also be fitted with an elastic band with a pair of glow in the dark "cat eye" patches, similar to those seen on the older PASGT helmet. A pair ofCordura straps can be mounted on the rear of the helmet to aid in the retention ofprotective goggles. The ACH is also commonly seen with a mounting bracket on the front fornight vision devices. These brackets often come in one of two designs; a tan or black "tombstone" shape that attaches to the helmet with a single screw through the center, or a larger tan diamond-shaped mount that attaches with three screws, one at each corner. The ACH can also be fitted withPicatinny rails on the sides of the helmet for mountingflashlights or digital cameras.
TheLightweight Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (LW-ACH Gen II) weighs up to one pound less than the original ACH while offering the same ballistic protection.[18][19][20] The ACH Gen II achieved an average of 22% in weight reduction from legacy helmets.[n 2][20]
Australia: The AustralianEnhanced Combat Helmet is an ACH variant made by Rabintex, Israel[21][22] used by all branches ofAustralian Defence Force andSpecialist Response Group of theAustralian Federal Police, replaced by the Tiered Combat Helmet.[23][24][25][26]
Iraq: Used by Iraqi commandos.[27]
Ireland: Rabintex 303 AU variant used byIrish Defence Force.[28]
Israel: In use byYamam.[29]
Mexico: Used by theMexican Army andSEDENA and SEMAR Special Operations Forces.[30]
Morocco: Seen in use withRoyal Moroccan Army infantry as of February 2024 (MKU Kavro MKH/ACH-7 version). Locally produced.[31][32]
New Zealand: Australian Enhanced Combat Helmet made by Rabintex, Israel used by all branches ofNew Zealand Defence Force andSpecial Tactics Group of theNew Zealand Police from 2009 to 2019.[33]
Macedonia / North Macedonia: ACH helmets made by Eurokompozit used by theMacedonian Police's Special Task Unit "Tigers" andSpecial Operations Regiment (North Macedonia).[34]
South Korea: ACH worn byKATUSA units.[citation needed] Some of ACH helmets including KCI-105, a South Korean-made ACH style, are worn by ROK Army alongside with KH-2000.
United States: Used by the U.S. Army,[3] pending replacement by theIntegrated Head Protection System helmet.The small ACH (without the cover) weighs under 3 pounds, the medium weighs 3 pounds, the large weighs 3.3 pounds, and the X-large weighs 3.8 pounds.
Gear being fielded to Soldiers with the new pattern includes a cover for the Advanced Combat Helmet, the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, the Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform, the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, both the sun hat and patrol cap, name and service tapes for the FR ACU, and multiple pieces of modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE).
[(___excerpt 1_): "The (...) Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) comes in two shell sizes and two pad sizes."(_end_)]; [(___excerpt 2_): "The helmet shell is Aramid fabric in camouflage green 383."(end)]; [(___entire quote in full): "The modular Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) comes in two shell sizes and two pad sizes. The modular pads of the suspension system offer improved stability and physical comfort. The edge of the ACH shell is finished with a rubber trim. The cotton/polyester chin strap, a four-point design, allows for quick adjustment for head size and includes a neck cushion for improved comfort and stability. The helmet shell is Aramid fabric in camouflage green 383. It weighs between 3 and 3.25 pounds, depending upon size, and the helmet cover is available in woodland or desert camouflage pattern.
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