The Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is a lightweight, modular assault helmet that improves the effectiveness of tactical helmets by reducing noise and vibration and providing additional protection to the head. The original ACH helmet (ACH) was designed for the United States Army’s Multinational Joint Terminal Event Authority (“MTA”) and has been modified for international use. The Tactical Helmet-IV offers protection from a concussion, shrapnel, and handgun penetration, in both the forward and side positions.
Merely adding a couple of heavy-duty plates to a traditional hard hat isn’t going to give the same level of armor and protection that an advanced helmet does. The primary reason is that if a helmet is chosen for tactical or back support needs, it will need additional armor and face protecting features that are not present on the standard MKE and ACH. Additionally, the original helmet was designed primarily for the United States Army and was only made available in Japan, Australia, and Pakistan due to security considerations.
The material used to construct the ACH helmet is Kevlar and Spectra-L Titanium. These materials combined to provide a lightweight, protective, and comfortable helmet that meets the U.S. military’s stringent requirements for a combat helmet. The newer generations of MKE and ACH have undergone extensive testing by the U.S. military to ensure that the helmet can withstand battlefield conditions and sufficiently protect against impact forces when used in a combat situation.
The vented inner liner of the ACH is ventilated to provide a comfortable seal against the wearer’s body heat. Air vents located on the back of the helmet help to disperse cool air and alleviate sweating while allowing a constant flow of air to the inside of the helmet. The vented lining is supported by a fully padded chin cup that provides an additional comfort level for the soldier. A heat-sensitive thermal liner is also included to further enhance the wearer’s comfort while preventing the heat generated by the helmet from escaping.
Standard ACH units feature a fully adjustable chin cup and cheek pads that allow a soldier to either raise or lower the helmet to alter its fit to best accommodate their head, face, and size. The optional army combat helmet pad is made of soft polyurethane foam and features two removable cushions that allow a soldier to switch to a pad with greater comfort if needed. These pads are fully customizable and are available in black or tan colors. U.S. Army and Marine Corps tests have proven that these pads are up to three times more effective at reducing the wearer’s discomfort than regular padding.