Is The US Army’s New Helmet a Complete Disaster? The IHPS

Published on May 7, 2023
Duration: 18:18

Garand Thumb provides an in-depth review of the US Army's Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS), comparing it to the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). The analysis highlights the IHPS's superior ballistic performance against rifle threats and improved blunt force trauma protection, while noting its lighter weight and boltless design. The review includes practical testing with various calibers and firearms, offering a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness.

Quick Summary

The US Army's IHPS helmet is a significant upgrade over the ECH, offering superior ballistic protection against rifle threats and better blunt force trauma resistance. It is also lighter and features a boltless design. Testing showed it stopping 7.62x39mm rounds at close range, a feat the ECH did not achieve, confirming its enhanced capabilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to IHPS and ECH
  2. 01:54Technical Improvements
  3. 03:38Ballistic Testing: .22 Caliber
  4. 05:22Ballistic Testing: 9mm
  5. 07:00Ballistic Testing: .44 Magnum
  6. 09:29Ballistic Testing: 7.62x39mm (AKM)
  7. 11:41Long-Range Testing: 5.56mm
  8. 13:54Shotgun and SVD Testing
  9. 15:18Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the US Army's IHPS helmet over the older ECH helmet?

The IHPS helmet offers superior ballistic protection, particularly against rifle-rated threats, and improved blunt force trauma resistance compared to the ECH. It is also designed to be lighter and features a boltless shell for reduced weak points.

How does the IHPS helmet perform against common handgun calibers like 9mm?

During testing, the IHPS helmet successfully stopped 9mm rounds with less backface deformation than the ECH, indicating a better ability to absorb and dissipate the projectile's energy, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Is the IHPS helmet a complete disaster as the title suggests?

No, the IHPS helmet is not a disaster. The review concludes that it is a significant improvement over the ECH, offering enhanced ballistic capabilities, better blunt force protection, and a lighter design, making it a valuable upgrade for military personnel.

What types of firearms and ammunition were used to test the IHPS helmet's ballistic capabilities?

The IHPS helmet was tested against various threats, including .22 caliber rounds, 9mm rounds, .44 Magnum rounds, 7.62x39mm from an AKM, 5.56mm rounds, 12-gauge buckshot, and 7.62x54R from an SVD rifle.

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