The Lightweight Helmet (LWH) replaces the PASGT helmet. The LWH provides protection in various operating environments from fragmentation and 9mm small arms projectiles.

left: sling suspension, right: pad suspension

Features

The LWH consists of

• a ballistic protective shell,
• a sling (headband/mesh crown) suspension system, which was replaced by a pad suspension system, and
• a 4-point chin/nape retention system.

The LWH retains the PASGT design but makes use of lighter materials made available by new technologies. The LWH is approximately 3 to 6 ounces lighter than the PASGT, depending on helmet size.

By incorporating a four-point retention strap, the LWH is seven times more stable than the PASGT so it won't rock back and forth or fall off.

Comfort is improved with soft black leather for the X-shaped nape pad, headband and border around a new breathable nylon mesh suspension pad, and black suede-lined chinstrap. Two buckles on each side of the helmet provide tensioning and centering of the nylon retention webbing.

Specification

• FQ/PD 06-35

Instruction

• TM 08744B-12&P Operator's Care and Use Manual for Lightweight Helmet (LWH)

Logistics

• Green; TAMCN: C32152F, IDN: 08744E
  • X-Small: 8470-01-506-0931
  • Small: 8470-01-506-0934
  • Medium: 8470-01-506-0938
  • Large: 8470-01-506-0939 [pdf]
  • X-Large: 8470-01-506-0954
  • XX-Large: 8470-01-559-2874
• Coyote 476
  • X-Small: 8470-01-560-2866
  • Small: 8470-01-560-3267
  • Medium: 8470-01-560-3076
  • Large: 8470-01-560-3270
  • X-Large: 8470-01-560-3271
  • XX-Large: 8470-01-560-3272
• suspension assembly
  • X-Small: 8470-01-505-9980
  • Small: 8470-01-505-9983
  • Medium: 8470-01-505-9984
  • Large: 8470-01-505-9985
  • X-Large: 8470-01-505-9988
• nape protection pad: 8470-01-554-6751

Acquisition

• solicitaion: SPM1C1-07-R-0137
  • https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DLA/J3/DSCP-C/SPM1C1-07-R-0137/listing.html
• solicitaion: M67854-10-R-3024 [zip]
  • https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/USMC/Contracts_Office_CTQ8/M6785410R3024/listing.html
  • contract: M67854-11-D-3024
    • http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4498

Improvement

• Enhanced Combat Helmet

Reference

• Lightweight Helmet factsheet @NSRDEC [2003]
• LWH infopaper @PMICE [2008][2014]
• Nape Protection Pad infopaper @PMICE [2008]
• Pad Suspension System infopaper @PMICE [2008]
• Helmet Sensor infopaper @PMICE [2008]
• http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/ALWH.asp
• The Warrior. July-August 2003. [pdf]
• Marine Corps Consepts and Programs. [p. 219, 2000][p. 198, 2004][p. 204, 2005][p. 211, 2006][p. 207, 2007]
• http://www.gentexcorp.com/default.aspx?pageid=2691
• Human Factors Assessment of U.S. Marine Lightweight Helmet Suspension Systems: Standard "A" Pad System vs. a Proposed Suspension System "B" HeadGard by Richard. 2011. [pdf]