An operator from 4RAR(Cdo) wearing the new Enhanced Combat Helmet during evaluation. Photo by Pte Ben Peardon, 4RAR(Cdo) Inside the ECH Inside the PASGT Side view of the ECH Front view of the ECH

Head shed
New helmet into service

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

Soldiers will have better protection for their grey matter with the introduction of the new Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH).

The Israeli-designed RBH 303AU, now known as the ECH, will be progressively introduced across the Army as a replacement for the current Personnel Armour System-Ground Troop (PASGT) helmet.

A next-generation helmet design, it was chosen following a rigorous selection process.

The procedure began with seven companies submitting 11 helmet designs for evaluation under a combined LAND projects program.

Four helmets were then short-listed for user evaluation trials.

The helmets were trialled over a series of tasks, including fire and movement, NVG operations, commando urban operations and parachute descents.

All four helmets were improvements over the PASGT, but the RBH 303AU won as the preferred tender.

The new helmet is a re-designed version of the current in-service RBH 303 helmet of the Israeli Defence Force.

It has been modified to suit Australian requirements.

Modifications include an improved ballistics protection capability, changes to the padding system, the elimination of the front brim and a reduction in ear coverage to allow for the use of Active Noise Reduction hearing protection.

These changes result in making the helmet about 200g lighter, with the large-sized helmet weighing 1.3kg.

The helmet is more expensive that the PASGT but the design has proven to be so popular that Australian state police forces are also acquiring the helmet.

The new helmet will be available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra large.

The extra large size has been specially introduced because of the uniqueness of the Australian user’s physiology and combat requirements.

Project LAND 132 Technical Officer Paul Vanschaik said the key improvement is the replacement of the old leather and webbing head harness system with thick padding.

“This allows the helmet to grip the head, providing greater stability and comfort compared to the PASGT helmet,” he said.

The ECH will be progressively introduced across the Army thanks to the cooperation and rationalisation of research and procurement work by a number of LAND projects, DSTO and the Army Committee for Personal Equipment and Clothing (ACPEC).

Initially LAND 132 was tasked with procuring a suitable helmet for 4RAR(Cdo) members.

Project LAND 125 was also looking for a next-generation helmet for infantry battalions.

The two project teams were able to pool resources with ACPEC and, as a result, the new helmet has been sourced for use across the Army in a shorter time frame and more economically than if the LAND projects had kept to themselves.

At present, 4RAR(Cdo) has been equipped with the ECH, as part of LAND 132. The remainder of the infantry battalions should receive their new helmets next year as part of LAND 125.

LAND 125 will also evaluate the ECH to identify and resolve integration issues with new pack and webbing as a complete soldier combat ensemble, using a rifle company from 1RAR.

This study is expected to begin in July and last a few weeks.

ACPEC will seek to introduce the new helmet to other Land Comd units progressively from next year along with a redistribution of fully functional PASGT helmets.

What users say

The ECH is an improvement over the PASGT helmet. The general comment from other members of the unit is that the feel of the helmet is much lighter. One big improvement is the comfort level when wearing Peltors (electronic hearing protection) under the helmet.

4RAR(Cdo) is operationally focused so we want a helmet that can do the job. A concern with the PASGT helmet was when you had to take up a prone position it was almost impossible to look up enough to use your Ninox, especially when wearing a pack.

The new helmet has only recently been issued, after we have had it for a while we’ll know what improvements have been made in that area.

– comments from members of 4RAR(Cdo)

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