Vietnam war USMC M1 Helmet test

Published on June 30, 2020
Duration: 11:05

This video tests the ballistic resistance of a Vietnam-era USMC M1 helmet against various handgun and rifle calibers. While it stops lower-powered rounds like .22 LR and .32 ACP, it shows significant damage from 9mm and is easily penetrated by high-velocity rounds like 5.7x28mm, .50 AE, and 7.62x39mm. The tests highlight the helmet's limitations against modern and rifle-caliber threats.

Quick Summary

The Vietnam-era M1 helmet's ballistic resistance was tested against multiple calibers. It stopped .22 LR and .32 ACP, but 9mm caused penetration. High-velocity rounds like 5.7x28mm, .50 AE, and 7.62x39mm easily penetrated both the steel shell and liner.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Vietnam M1 Helmet
  2. 00:51.22 LR Test
  3. 02:03.32 ACP Test
  4. 02:56.380 ACP Test
  5. 03:379mm Test
  6. 05:045.7x28mm Test
  7. 07:53.50 AE Test
  8. 09:087.62x39mm Test (AK-47)

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Vietnam M1 helmet perform against handgun rounds?

The M1 helmet successfully stopped .22 LR and .32 ACP rounds. A .380 ACP round penetrated the steel shell but was stopped by the liner. A 9mm round penetrated the steel and barely stopped by the liner, causing a puncture.

Can a Vietnam M1 helmet stop rifle rounds?

No, the M1 helmet is not designed for rifle rounds. High-velocity calibers like 5.7x28mm, .50 AE, and 7.62x39mm easily penetrated both the steel shell and the composite liner, rendering it ineffective.

What was tested against the M1 helmet?

The M1 helmet was tested against various calibers including .22 LR, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9mm, 5.7x28mm, .50 AE, and 7.62x39mm, using firearms like a Glock 44, Beretta, Glock 42, S&W M&P Shield EZ, FN Five-seveN, Desert Eagle, and an AK-47.

What is the construction of a Vietnam-era M1 helmet?

The M1 helmet features a two-piece design consisting of an outer steel shell and an inner composite liner. This construction was standard for US military helmets during the Vietnam War era.

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