Combat helmet

Since the late 20th and early 21st centuries, helmets have evolved to protect against explosion shock waves and provide a mounting point for devices and accessories such as night-vision goggles and communications equipment.

At that time, they were purely military equipment, protecting the head from cutting blows with swords, arrows, and low-velocity musketry.

Although they were officially replaced by the shako in 1806, most line infantry regiments continued to wear helmets up until the Austrian defeat at Battle of Wagram in July 1809.

Dragoons and cuirassiers also wore the helmets more extensively than the line infantry, with them continuing to wear them well past the Napoleonic Wars.

[14][15] Original helmets produced from such efforts, such as the American Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops,[16] were major improvements from mid-20th century designs but still largely lacked capabilities for user customization and accessory mounting, which became increasingly relevant into the 21st century.

Reflecting these needs, as well as experiences from the war on terror, many 21st century combat helmets have been adapted for modern warfare requirements with improved protection, lightweight designs, and STANAG rails to act as a platform for mounting cameras, video cameras, and VAS shrouds for mounting night-vision devices.

Some may also extend to the ears or nape, but in general, most of the head below the forehead, including the entire face and neck, is left visible and unprotected.

They somewhat resemble mid-20th century bowl helmets, but have noticeably more coverage and better ballistic materials suited for modern combat.

Since the 21st century, many low-cut helmets have been equipped with rail integration systems, and the ear covers in newer models have been expanded to make space for headsets.

Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory published a study in 2011 that concluded that the addition of 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) of cushion decreased the impact force to the skull by 24%.