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[Gulf War] Protective helmet covers for Combat Veh. Helmet

Posted By: John Morris (71.191.18.81)
Date: Saturday, 11 September 2010 0448 hrs. EDT

Contributed by Larry Munnikhuysen

During the period leading up to Desert Storm it was recognized that the CVC helmets then in use by the crews of armored vehicles did not provide adequate ballistic or fragmentation protection. Particularly at risk were armored vehicle drivers and tank commanders who normally had their heads exposed during combat operations. As an expediency measure, until a CVC helmet with a Kevlar shell could be fielded, a protective cover was designed and issued. It was to fit over the top of the CVC helmet of those personnel incurring the most exposure to hostile fire.

The covers were designed at the Natick RD&E Center and manufactured by Point Blank Body Armor. The covers were constructed of ten plies of 14.5 oz. Kevlar (an aramid fiber material used in ballistic armor) and came in two sizes: small-medium, and large. The covers were initially produced in Woodland Pattern camouflage and later in the new three color Desert Pattern camouflage. These covers were not popular with the troops and it is rare to see a photograph of one being worn in the field.

See link below for 3 photos; use password "attack"

3 Photos of helmet covers and label

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