US military helmet vs Russian military helmet

Published on July 18, 2019
Duration: 24:38

This video provides a direct comparison of US and Russian military helmets through rigorous ballistic testing. Both helmets demonstrate impressive performance against pistol rounds like 9mm and .50 AE, and even a 12 gauge slug. However, they are shown to be ineffective against rifle rounds such as 7.62x39mm and .30-06 Springfield, highlighting their intended purpose against shrapnel and lower-velocity threats.

Quick Summary

Military helmets, like the US and Russian models tested, are designed to stop shrapnel and pistol rounds (e.g., 9mm, .50 AE). They generally fail against rifle rounds (7.62x39mm, .30-06) and can sustain fatal blunt force trauma even when stopping a 12 gauge slug.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Sponsorship
  2. 02:18Helmet Overview & Construction
  3. 03:139mm Ballistic Test
  4. 06:44.50 AE Ballistic Test
  5. 11:33.460 Extreme Penetrator Test
  6. 13:387.62x39mm AK-47 Test
  7. 16:0412 Gauge Slug Test
  8. 19:53.30-06 Springfield Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Can US and Russian military helmets stop a .50 AE round?

Yes, surprisingly, both the US and Russian military helmets tested were able to stop the powerful .50 AE rounds fired from a Desert Eagle pistol, with the bullets lodging within the helmet's layers.

Are military helmets effective against rifle rounds like AK-47?

No, the tests showed that standard rifle rounds like the 7.62x39mm from an AK-47 completely penetrated both the US and Russian military helmets, indicating they are not designed for direct rifle fire protection.

What is the primary purpose of military helmets?

Military helmets are primarily designed to protect against fragmentation, shrapnel from explosions, and lower-velocity threats like pistol rounds, rather than direct hits from high-powered rifle ammunition.

How did the helmets perform against a 12 gauge slug?

Both the US and Russian helmets successfully stopped a 1-ounce 12 gauge slug. However, the significant blunt force trauma from the impact would likely be fatal even if the helmet wasn't penetrated.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Edwin Sarkissian

View all →