As noted in our catalog, our HB-80 based helmet is rated at 1,200 fps (or 366 m/s) for 9mm V0 (at 0° obliquity) with a back face deformation of 25.4 mm, so it is not surprising that that this helmet sustained more damage when tested at 415 m/s (or 1,362 fps), which is well above the rated velocity for that threat.  It is interesting to note that the photo does not show a complete penetration even at this higher test velocity.  It is also unfair for us to comment on a picture as we have no knowledge as to how the test was carried out (test procedures, environmental conditioning, set-up, etc.) or why the helmet was tested at higher than its rated velocity.

The standard procedures used to test Ops-Core helmets as well as a majority of ballistic helmets throughout the world requires that the helmet is mounted on a clay filled headform to measure the extent of shell backface deformation.  The clay headform as well as the fitting pads play significant role in simulating the energy absorption of the projectile striking the helmet.  The backface deformation is measured on the clay headform (not the helmet shell) to assess the trauma potential to the human head.  To make an accurate assessment of the ballistic resistance and deformation potential of the composite requires that strict controls are applied to all test conditions to ensure repeatability and accurate measurement of the damage after the ballistic event.

It is also very important to understand how different materials behave during the ballistic event.  Polyethylene ballistic composites deform very differently than their aramid counterparts, in that they have a very high modulus of elasticity in addition to high strength, which makes them particularly good at absorbing energy from projectiles, but may look much worse visually after impact.  Aramid helmets will have similar deformation characteristics during the event but rebound rather than permanently deform after the shot which changes the appearance of the after impact damage.  This behavior is generally only visible with high speed imagery.  A simple example might be examining an airbag after it deployed and then deflated.  From its visual appearance it likely wouldn’t appear to have done much to protect you – as you are looking at it thankfully for having done its job.

Ops-Core works very closely with its customers to match shell design to protection level and carries out extensive verification testing to ensure that these standards are met continuously in production.  We are proud of our record of protecting warfighters worldwide who have chosen our products to meet their high standards for comfort and performance.

Ops-Core Team