Testing of ballistic helmets

There are some cormnon misconceptions regarding combat helmet testing. One common misconception concerns the existence of National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-certified Level IDA helmets. The Nil Standard for Ballistic Helmets 0106.1 only certifies up to Level II for ballistic-type helmets. The only comprehensive Level IIIA testing protocol for helmets in the LIS is the H. P. White Helmet Test Procedure (HPW-TP-0401.01B). Additionally, the NIJ Standard does not provide arty information on how to measure blunt trauma deformation a standard operatingprocedure to assess trauma-related injury to the wearer. Testing protocols of NIJ Standard 0106.01 are employed by many manufacturers for testing helmets up to Level IDA (Nielsen, 2008 Scheetz et al., 1973). 

Level IDA testing to NIJ Standard 0108.01 for ballistic material is only for testing flat armom- panels, which differ significantly from helmet curvature contours. NIJ Standard 0108.01 for ballistic material specifically excludes helmets 

10(a) Samples of tested ballistic helmets, (b) Interior view oftested helmet (bulging at impacted area). 

Another standard test for ballistic helmet is water immersion testing (MIL-H-4409A- Para 4.5.1). Normally the helmet is immersed in tap water at 16 to H°C for a minimum of 16 hours. At the end of this time, the helmet is removed and allowed to air dry for 12 hours minimum, or force air dried for six hours minimum under the same temperature conditions. The coating on the outside surface of the helmet is then examined for any evidence of softening, blistering or peeling. 

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