The FAST helmet series is characterized by its shell shape-the ear-cut geometry can extend the key coverage to the posterior occiput without interference from the load carrier, and optimize the weight distribution to improve stability, integration, balance and improve comfort. In addition to tailoring, one of the main design features of the helmet is distinctive, including various suspension and fixing systems, as well as ARC rails that can install helmet lights and cameras.
Future Assault Shell Technology 头盔 | |
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![]() American marine invaders wear FAST maritime helmets.
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Types of | Combat helmet |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
Active | 2009 to present |
user | View users |
war | War on terror |
Production history | |
Designer | The U.S. Army Research Laboratory cooperates with U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center and Project Execution Office (PEO) soldiers |
manufacturer | Ops-Core ( part of Gentex ) |
Produced | 2007 to present |
Variants | Ballistic :
Non-ballistic :
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specification | |
weight | 315–1034 g (0.69–2.28 lb), depending on size and model |
History
It was developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in collaboration with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center and the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier as part of the Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, which led to the development of other helmets such as the Maritime helmet and the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH).
The name FAST helmet was coined by a manufacturing company called Ops-Core in 2005.In 2008, Ops-Core showed off their prototype helmet with their Head-Loc™ Helmet Retention System (a.k.a. Head-Loc Retention System) at the 2008 SHOT SHOW convention. The helmet was publicly revealed in 2009 at the annual SHOT Show.It was issued to U.S. special forces operators deployed in Afghanistan.
In 2019, U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Gentex a contract worth $95 million to supply Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut Helmets.
Development
Compared to standard combat helmets, the FAST helmet offers up to 25% weight reduction and is notable for its early use of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers (UHMWPE) in its design.It was also designed to allow outside features such as wearing communications headsets which can be attached with rail adapters.
Design
The FAST helmet ranges in weight from about 315 to 1034 g (0.69 to 2.28 lbs). The type of UHMWPE material for the ballistic FAST models provides increased protection against handgun rounds. It can be fitted with a mounting bracket, patented first in 2014,for accessories like night vision goggles and comm headsets, similar to MICH and PASGT.
Users can wear it with different communications headsets with ease and comfort. It has different color options, such as foliage green, black, olive green, tan, MultiCam and desert MARPAT.As well as having mesh and cloth helmet covers in varying camouflage patterns.