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
The FAST helmet series features a distinctive shell shape, with ear cut geometry which extends coverage over the rear occipital bone without load carrier interference, and optimizes weight distribution for increased stability, integration, balance, and comfort. The helmet features various suspension and retention systems, and ARC rails which, similar to picatinny rails, enable users to mount items like helmet lights and cameras.
The name FAST helmet was coined by a manufacturing company called Ops-Core in 2005.[3] 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.[4] It was issued to U.S. special forces operators deployed in Afghanistan.[5]
In 2019, U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Gentex a contract worth $95 million to supply Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut Helmets that were released in 2018.[6]
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.[1][2] It was also designed to allow outside features such as wearing communications headsets which can be attached with rail adapters.[7]
The FAST helmet ranges in weight from about 667–1592 g (1.47–3.51 lbs). The type of UHMWPE material for the ballistic FAST models provides increased protection against NIJLevel IIIAhandgun rounds. It can be fitted with a mounting bracket, patented first in 2014,[8] for accessories like night visiongoggles and communications headsets,[9] similar to PASGT and MICH.[10] Users can wear it with different communications headsets with ease and comfort. The Velcro featured on to the helmet also allows for the wearer to attach national flag or the emblem of unit which they belong to, in addition to other IFF (Identification friend or foe) patches such as call sign and blood type.
It has different color options, such as foliage green, black, olive green, ranger green, tan 499, urban grey, MultiCam and desert MARPAT.[11] As well as having mesh and cloth helmet covers in varying camouflage patterns.
The FAST RF1 High Cut Helmet System released in 2021 is a rifle rated ballistic helmet at an average of 3.5 lbs (1592 grams) able to protect against rifle rounds like the 7.62×39mm and 7.62x51mm due to the 0.400" (10.16mm) shell thickness. The different color options are tan 499, ranger green, MultiCam, black, and urban gray.[12]
The FAST XR Helmet System released in 2022 represents an intermediate in protection between the SF line of helmets and the RF1 Helmet System, protecting against 7.62×39mm rifle rounds at a distance of 10 feet, but not against larger rounds such as 7.62×51mm. This is due to having a shell thickness of 0.280" (7.112mm). It is far lighter than the RF1, averaging at only about half a pound heavier than the SF helmet, depending on the type of chinstrap. It is available in Tan 499, Ranger Green, MultiCam, Black, and Urban Gray.[13]
In addition to military and law enforcement, the non-ballistic version of the helmet also has gained considerable popularity among civilian occupations, such as outdoor sportsmen, journalists, disaster relief personnel and other field workers due to its modular design.[citation needed]
Users
The FAST family of helmets are ubiquitous across military, police, and other uniformed services around the world.[14]
Georgia: Used by police and state security special units. DH MK-III made by STC Delta issued to GSOF and other military units.[21][22][23]
Malaysia: In 2016, a contract was signed with Usahawan PSE Sdn Bhd to supply FAST helmets to the Malaysian military under RM45.9 million.[24] The first Malaysian unit issued with the helmet is the 7th Royal Ranger Regiment.[25]
Norway: In 2011, the Norwegian Defense Logistic Organization (NDLO) selected the FAST helmet as the new standard issue protective headgear for the Norwegian Army and National Guard. The decision was made after positive results from rounds of ballistic and safety testing and has been previously fielded by the Norwegian Special Forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq.[26] This replaces the PASGT made by Cato Ringstad.[27]
Turkey: Used by special forces of Turkish Armed Forces, with a reported incident where a Turkish soldier's life was saved when his Ops-Core Sentry-type helmet was shot at in 2015.[31]
In use with the LAPDSWAT, where a SWAT officer credited the helmet for saving his life from being shot in the head in 2017.[35] Also used by the NYPD ESU.
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