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| SPECTRA F2 helmet | |
|---|---|
 Spectra helmet in OD color | |
| Type | Combat helmet |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1992–present |
| Used by | Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, France, Morocco |
| Wars | Bosnian War Kosovo War War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) Mali War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | CGF Gallet (Currently MSA Gallet) |
| Manufacturer | CGF Gallet (Currently MSA Gallet) |
| Variants | SeeVariants |
TheSPECTRA helmet orCGF Gallet Combat Helmet is thePASGT-styleballistic helmet in use with theFrench military, and the armies of several other countries. Built by CGF Gallet (producer of theF1 helmet for firemen), it weighs 1.4 kg (3.1 lb), is available in three sizes, and is made fromultra-high-molecular-weight polyethyleneSpectra fibers, produced underlicense fromHoneywell.
The SPECTRA helmet can stopshell fragments of 1.1 g (0.039 oz) travelling at 680 m/s (2,200 ft/s), an 80% improvement over theModèle 1978 helmet it replaced.
The SPECTRA helmet is the result of studies conducted in the 1990s, intended to design the helmet for theFrench Army of the 2000s.[1] In 1992, the conflict in the former Yugoslavia placed large numbers of French troops in contact with well-trained and well-equipped forces,[1] especiallysnipers during theSiege of Sarajevo, where heavier protection than theModèle 1978 helmet proved necessary.[2][3]
The Army requested an emergency study for the new helmet, and tests were made, which selected theDyneema fiber. Gallet drafted a model based on thePersonnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT orFritz) helmet used by theUnited States Army,[2] and produced a first series of 5,000 which was immediately made available to theblue helmets in theformer Yugoslavia. These first models were mostly blue in color. Later models used the NATO green color.
They gradually equipped all French troops, with priority given to units on missions in foreign territories. This completely replaced all the 1978 helmets in French service.[4]
At one point, it was tested by the Uruguayan military, but it was not adopted.[5]
The helmet is made of Spectra fibre. It is notbulletproof against rifle or carbine bullets. It is a fragmentation-resistant helmet with a maximum distortion (loss of shape) of 20 mm (0.79 in) from a 9mmfull metal jacket bullet (FMJ) of 8 g (124 gr) travelling 430 m/s (1,400 ft/s) on impact. It has a resistance to fragments that meets NATO Standardised Regulation (STANAG) 2920, V50 mini, which is 680 m/s (2,200 ft/s). Resistance to shock-impact meets protection standard EN397 for industrial helmets.
The helmet can be worn withearmuffs and an individual radio system. Further equipment, like night vision, can be added. The new infantry combat equipment of the French army, theFélin system, is partly based on development of the SPECTRA helmet.
In the early 1990s, the Danish army began looking for a replacement to the old USM1 helmet designatedM/48 Steel helmet, which had been the standard helmet in Denmark since World War 2. The M/96 helmet was officially brought into service in 1996 as the M/96.[6]
The removablehelmet cover allows to change the pattern of the camouflage. For instance, the Danish army uses three different covers:
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Austria: Service helmet ofBundesheer.[7]
Bangladesh: Standard service helmet.[citation needed]
Canada: Used helmet design for creation of CG634.[8]
Denmark: Designated M/96 in Danish service[6]
Djibouti[citation needed]
France: The F2 helmet was adopted by the French Army.[9]
Morocco: Standard helmet ofMilitary of Morocco.[citation needed]
