Modular Integrated Communications Helmet

Modular Integrated Communications Helmet
MICH outline compared to PASGT

The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), is a combat helmet used by the United States Army. It was developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center to be the next generation of protective combat helmets for use by the U.S. Army.[1] The Advanced Combat Helmet was derived from the MICH.

Contents

History

The MICH was originally part of a series of combat helmets designed for the United States Army Special Operations Command as a replacement for the PASGT helmet solely within those units. However, the Army later determined that the improvements presented by the high cut and no brim MICH over the PASGT helmet warranted organization-wide distribution.

To date, the MICH has replaced the PASGT in active United States Army service. Some units of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve and Army ROTC in colleges and universities continue to use the PASGT, though its use will eventually expire.

The MICH is in use with all branches of the United States armed forces in at least some capacity. The MICH was officially adopted as the standard issue helmet of the Air Force Security Forces. The United States Marine Corps evaluated the MICH during its own search for a PASGT replacement, but chose to adopt a helmet that retains the profile of the PASGT, known as the Lightweight Helmet. MICH helmets are available for purchase by law enforcement agencies and the public. They have become popular with various SWAT units and private security companies.

Design

The MICH ranges in weight from about 3 lbs (1.36 kg) (size medium) to just over 3.6 lb (1.63 kg) (extra large). It uses a new, more advanced type of Kevlar and provides increased protection against handgun rounds.

A pad system and four-point retention system, similar to the cushions and straps found on bicycle helmets, replaces the nylon cord suspension system, sweatband and chinstrap found on the PASGT helmet. The change provides greater impact protection and comfort for the wearer. It can be fitted with a mounting bracket for an AN/PVS-14 monocular night vision device (MNVD) on the front, similar to that on the PASGT helmet, as seen in the above image. It can also be fitted with a pair of straps on the rear to keep protective eyewear in place, as well as cloth helmet covers in varying camouflage patterns including M81 Woodland, three-color desert, USMC MARPAT, US Army UCP, Crye MultiCam, and solid black for use with SWAT teams. As with its PASGT predecessor, the MICH is often worn with a band around it which features a pair of reflective 'cat eyes' patches on the back intended to prevent friendly fire incidents.

The MICH is also slightly smaller than the PASGT, providing 8% less coverage. This accounts for some of the reduced weight and allows for both greater situational awareness and less obstruction of the wearer's vision, particularly when combined with Interceptor body armor. Previously, soldiers had complained that the high collar of the Interceptor pushed the back of the helmet forward, in turn moving the helmet brim over their eyes when they attempted to fire from a prone position.

Users

  •  Czech
    • Czech 601. skss
  • Denmark

See also

References

External links


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Combat helmet — American Enhanced Combat Helmet A combat helmet or battle helmet is a type of personal armor designed specifically to protect the head during combat. Helmets are among the oldest forms of personal protective equipment and are known to have been… …   Wikipedia

  • MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet — The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), also known as the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), was developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center to be the next generation of protective combat helmets for use by the United… …   Wikipedia

  • Modular Tactical Vest — Marines being issued the MTV at Camp Foster, Okinawa The Modular Tactical Vest or (MTV) is a bulletproof vest originally adopted by the United States Marine Corps in 2006. The MTV was designed as a solution to shortcomings in the current, decade… …   Wikipedia

  • Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops — U.S. soldiers wearing the PASGT helmet Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops, sometimes abbreviated to PASGT, was a combat helmet and ballistic vest used by the American military from the mid 1980s until 2005, when the system was succeeded by… …   Wikipedia

  • Casque MICH TC-2000 — Le casque MICH TC 2000 (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH)), est un casque de combat utilisé par l armée de terre des États Unis. Il a été développé par le United States Army Soldier Systems Center pour devenir la prochaine… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Army Combat Uniform — The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) worn during the 1980s and 1990s. [… …   Wikipedia

  • F-16 Fighting Falcon — infobox Aircraft name= F 16 Fighting Falcon caption=A USAF F 16 over Iraq after refueling, 2008 type= Multirole fighter national origin = United States manufacturer= General Dynamics Lockheed Martin first flight= 2 February avyear|1974… …   Wikipedia

  • IdZ — Infanterist der Zukunft is the German Bundeswehr s program as part of the Future Soldier project.The IdZ or Infanterist der Zukunft (Infantryman of the future) is a modular, integrated fighting system designed to provide significant lethality,… …   Wikipedia

  • F-16 Fighting Falcon variants — A large number of F 16 Fighting Falcon variants have been produced by General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and various licensed manufacturers. These versions, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by …   Wikipedia

  • Glossary of military abbreviations — List of terms, acronyms, information, related to modern armour, artillery, infantry, weapons, and related military subject matter.* AA anti aircraft * AAA anti aircraft artillery Triple A * AAAV Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle * AAD Armoured… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”