Prototype
Protective Helmets
written
by Arnie
- Wednesday,
April 17, 2002
Simon
Dakin of Extreme
Procurement Limited (http://www.extremeprocurement.com/)
and Animal
of MasterChief's
(http://www.master-chiefs.co.uk)
have sent in some info that he thought might
be of interest to us Airsofters. They are in
the process of taking on a new product. As it's
still in development, we've been sent in some
of the production imagery, and some concept
art.
For
those of you that don't know Extreme
Procurement Limited are a UK company
that "specialise in supplying equipment
to the Military, Special Forces, Emergency Services,
Close Protection and Film Industry",
and MasterChief's
are "authorised BlackHawk dealers,
offering the full range of BlackHawk miltary
and police equipment and BlackHawk's Hydrastorm
hydration system. We also supply Surefire and
Streamlight tactical lighting systems.".
The
images are of two different prototypes, one
(the helmet) that features complete head protection,
and another one (the muzzle) that is of a similar
but more open design.
Here
you can see images of the prototype helmet,
including some of the original concept art:
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Here is another system (the muzzle) which was designed
for the US Military:
 
 
Apparently
Special Forces already use systems like these,
and from the photos you can see why. The masks are made
of a lightweight, flexible material designed for running
which covers the whole face to protect the wearer when
using 'simulation ammunition'. Also of note the visor
is non-misting, so no more running into large trees
and walls at high speed for me then. ^_^
Simon
also wanted to point out that having team logos printed
on the masks wouldn't be a problem for large orders.
As
mentioned the images are of the prototype, it is going
to be tidied up somewhat in the next few design revisions
to make it look a lot 'meaner'. We have very kindly
been promised some more info and details as they become
available in the near future.
Some
points of interest:
1.
Mask was designed for special forces training
2. It was designed to be light, flexible, protective,
non - steam up, washable, one size fits most head
sizes (but has size adjustment)
3. Manufactured from a laminate of materials specially
created for the purpose
4. There is a skirt attachment to protect the back
of the neck and the side of the neck
5. There is also a neck guard for the front of the
neck
6. Most importantly, the breathing system means a
shot cannot enter the guard unless shot from the wearers
chest
7 The design is protected by patent application, copyright
and design registration
8. When BB was fired at point blank, no pain is felt
but you can hear the contact
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 Update
Tuesday, April 23, 2002: We've been sent
in some more photos, and information. This time
it's of the DPM pattern version.
"...[this]
helmet is designed for use with goggles. As the
Military already use these they should be fine
for upgraded /normal Airsoft - they were designed
to take a 0.5gr FX Marker Cartridge travelling
at 490fps.
Also we are working with our supplier to make
some replica PASGT Helmets which have taken 20
direct hits from the above type velocity so will
advise when we have a price and availability on
them..."
The
muzzle shape was specially designed to be narrow
and semi flexible so as to be able to aim from
shoulder as shown in the pictures.
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In
the update for this article I am also including updates
from MasterChief's
- thanks go out to Animal
of MasterChief's
for sending in the information and pictures. Please
note that MasterChief's
will also be stocking the new head/eye protection as
soon is it is launched.
Update
Saturday, May 4, 2002: We have a
few more pictures of the full DPM mask (this time
fitted with the neck and throat guard), and I've
received a sample (as shown below) to review.
So what do I think of it? Well in short I'm very
impressed. It covers your entire face very comfortably,
it's easy to put on, and furthermore it gives
you complete face protection. Read my full review
to see what I found out (review in progress).
 
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