The History of Combat Helmets
From the beginning of recorded history, combat helmets have been worn and crafted as our early ancestors realized the importance of protecting the head during battle. Throughout history, combat helmets have been a constant part of soldiers’ equipment. The historical period, available materials, and the needs of military forces have characterized the development of combat helmets through recorded history.
From Crocodile Skin to Iron
The oldest recorded helmets we know of date back to around 3000 BC. These were made of crocodile skin, a strong material that could easily be shaped to fit the head.
When people learned to work bronze, he transitioned from leather helmets reinforced with bronze plates to helmets made of pure bronze. Bronze was later replaced by iron, which became the dominant material for helmets, first used by the Assyrians around 900 BC, and later by the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans. The Romans mass-produced iron helmets, which were lighter and more open, suited to their tactics with mobile legions.
In medieval Europe, there were many varieties of helmets, with conical and ocular helmets being the most popular. An example of such a helmet is the Gjermundbu helmet, exhibited at the Cultural History Museum in Oslo.
During the Napoleonic Wars, infantry soldiers had no protection, except for elite units such as Cuirassiers, who were equipped with helmets and armor.
First Generation Helmets
The 20th century is the most dynamic time in the development of combat helmets. The introduction of the “Adrian” helmet during the First World War marked the start of the first generation of helmets, designed to protect against artillery shrapnel. At the same time, the British developed the Brodie helmet, known for its simple but effective production method.
World War II and Kevlar
World War II saw the rise of steel helmets, but it was the development of Kevlar that revolutionized helmet design and provided the basis for the second generation of helmets. Kevlar, a composite material of aramid fiber and resin, offered protection against high-velocity fragments and small arms bullets. The US Army M1 helmet, designed by Major Harold G. Sydenham, was produced in over 23 million units, featuring a steel outer shell that provided additional protection to the forehead, sides of the head, and neck.
The Modern Combat Helmet
Using the helmet as a platform for technology ushered in the third generation of helmets. By the turn of the 21st century, communication systems and night vision goggles required integration with the helmet.
NFM HJELM™: 4th Generation Platform
The first generation of fourth-generation helmets was developed by NFM, with a focus on adding weight to the soldier only where necessary. The HJELM™ series has a lightweight shell made of high-quality ballistic materials, using unique pressing technology that provides unparalleled protection. HJELM™ is the first combat helmet to integrate information technology into its design, creating a stable platform without unnecessary weight.
Throughout history, combat helmets have been under continuous development to adapt to new threats, and today’s threat landscape is characterized by modern technology, which places new demands on the equipment.
Equipnor – adapting to the modern theater
Equipnor works continuously to provide products that equip Armed Forces and law enforcement for the modern battlefield. Through partnerships with leading suppliers, Equipnor offers a wide range of products that function together as part of an integrated system, where every component contributes to enhanced safety and operational ability.
To ensure soldiers’ safety and operational capability in today’s dynamic environment, the modern combat helmets must combine protection and technology. Equipnor provides a comprehensive selection of combat helmets for various applications and threat levels, tailored to meet the unique needs of defense and police forces. With a focus on quality, technology, and functionality, Equipnor ensures that those who protect are prepared to face the challenges of the future.
