Main Military Weapon of your Country: Pattern VIII (Read OP)

[Gawdzendia]

Because it works.

If you want to bitch about looks, go wear the old French helmets and tell me if they take a 9x18mm Ap round to the back of the skull.

looks < performance

But why does it work? What is it about their design that makes them look that way?

If my understanding is correct, its all about layers. Its a harness (the part that sits on your head), which is connected to the actual helmet. Again, iirc, there is a kevlar layer on the inside of the helmet for additional protection against small arms/spalling. On top of all of this is a mesh/cloth/bag with theatre appropriate camouflage applied. The bag/mesh is also able to have all sorts of local foliage stuffed into it for extra sneaky.

Anyone with a better knowledge of helmets please correct where applicable.

[Ulfr-Reich]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

Is that 20mm bullets or 20mm HEDP?

HEDP, or HEAT, or potentially just armor piercing incendiary.

[Virana]

But why does it work? What is it about their design that makes them look that way?

If my understanding is correct, its all about layers. Its a harness (the part that sits on your head), which is connected to the actual helmet. Again, iirc, there is a kevlar layer on the inside of the helmet for additional protection against small arms/spalling. On top of all of this is a mesh/cloth/bag with theatre appropriate camouflage applied. The bag/mesh is also able to have all sorts of local foliage stuffed into it for extra sneaky.

Anyone with a better knowledge of helmets please correct where applicable.

In addition to what Gawdzendia said, you have to take into consideration the fact that different designs of helmets provide different levels of protection and head coverage. Additionally, differing designs affect soldiers' hearing differently and channel explosive energy in vastly different ways.

The modern PASGT based design was derived from the German Stahlhelm (sp?) from WWII. Out of all WWII helmets, it provided the best overall coverage and characteristics. PASGT was a radically modernized version of that, and modern US helmets (ACH, ECH, and LWH) are all roughly based on the PASGT (as well as most modern ballistic combat helmets in the world).

Also a minor correction—that "mesh/cloth/bag" is actually a helmet cover, and many armies issue it so that soldiers don't have to paint their helmets in the appropriate colors; it also helps in sound discipline. Most troops don't get helmet covers with netting for local foliage though; those are generally more expensive (due to their hybrid construction) and generally only special forces have them. Most personnel in a majority of armies use simpler helmet covers with a single-piece construction with a camouflage pattern printed on them. Helmet covers were first used in very limited numbers in WWII (instead most forces used camouflage netting).

So essentially, the appearance of modern combat helmets is due to it being pretty much the best possible shape for head coverage, the materials that construct it, and the advantages of wearing helmet covers.

[The Advancers]

I was sitting near a scanner so I made a FAL-armed power armour sketch. Is that the kind of thing you were going for? (The FAL's based on the first result on Google Images - I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it's accurate or not)

[Bajireyn]

I was sitting near a scanner so I made a FAL-armed power armour sketch. Is that the kind of thing you were going for? (The FAL's based on the first result on Google Images - I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it's accurate or not)

Dat PA.

[Ulfr-Reich]

I was sitting near a scanner so I made a FAL-armed power armour sketch. Is that the kind of thing you were going for? (The FAL's based on the first result on Google Images - I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it's accurate or not)

Fuckall, a Retropunk UK Commando with a 20mm FAL. Hot damn, nice bloody work.

My forces aren't exactly going to be sung "that" suit and rig, I was just providing food-for-though. Well, to-say-the-least, I am pleasantly surprised by what some of the folks in this thread can do.

[Purpelia]

In addition to what Gawdzendia said, you have to take into consideration the fact that different designs of helmets provide different levels of protection and head coverage. Additionally, differing designs affect soldiers' hearing differently and channel explosive energy in vastly different ways.

The modern PASGT based design was derived from the German Stahlhelm (sp?) from WWII. Out of all WWII helmets, it provided the best overall coverage and characteristics. PASGT was a radically modernized version of that, and modern US helmets (ACH, ECH, and LWH) are all roughly based on the PASGT (as well as most modern ballistic combat helmets in the world).

Also a minor correction—that "mesh/cloth/bag" is actually a helmet cover, and many armies issue it so that soldiers don't have to paint their helmets in the appropriate colors; it also helps in sound discipline. Most troops don't get helmet covers with netting for local foliage though; those are generally more expensive (due to their hybrid construction) and generally only special forces have them. Most personnel in a majority of armies use simpler helmet covers with a single-piece construction with a camouflage pattern printed on them. Helmet covers were first used in very limited numbers in WWII (instead most forces used camouflage netting).

So essentially, the appearance of modern combat helmets is due to it being pretty much the best possible shape for head coverage, the materials that construct it, and the advantages of wearing helmet covers.

So the horribly ugly thing is actually a helmet cover bag that serves no purpose other than making camouflage easier and underneath we still have the beautiful old ones in terms of shape?

[The Advancers]

I was sitting near a scanner so I made a FAL-armed power armour sketch. Is that the kind of thing you were going for? (The FAL's based on the first result on Google Images - I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it's accurate or not)

Fuckall, a Retropunk UK Commando with a 20mm FAL. Hot damn, nice bloody work.

My forces aren't exactly going to be sung "that" suit and rig, I was just providing food-for-though. Well, to-say-the-least, I am pleasantly surprised by what some of the folks in this thread can do.

Thanks! Glad I got it right.

[Elan Valleys]

In addition to what Gawdzendia said, you have to take into consideration the fact that different designs of helmets provide different levels of protection and head coverage. Additionally, differing designs affect soldiers' hearing differently and channel explosive energy in vastly different ways.

The modern PASGT based design was derived from the German Stahlhelm (sp?) from WWII. Out of all WWII helmets, it provided the best overall coverage and characteristics. PASGT was a radically modernized version of that, and modern US helmets (ACH, ECH, and LWH) are all roughly based on the PASGT (as well as most modern ballistic combat helmets in the world).

Also a minor correction—that "mesh/cloth/bag" is actually a helmet cover, and many armies issue it so that soldiers don't have to paint their helmets in the appropriate colors; it also helps in sound discipline. Most troops don't get helmet covers with netting for local foliage though; those are generally more expensive (due to their hybrid construction) and generally only special forces have them. Most personnel in a majority of armies use simpler helmet covers with a single-piece construction with a camouflage pattern printed on them. Helmet covers were first used in very limited numbers in WWII (instead most forces used camouflage netting).

So essentially, the appearance of modern combat helmets is due to it being pretty much the best possible shape for head coverage, the materials that construct it, and the advantages of wearing helmet covers.

So the horribly ugly thing is actually a helmet cover bag that serves no purpose other than making camouflage easier and underneath we still have the beautiful old ones in terms of shape?

[Aqizithiuda]

I was sitting near a scanner so I made a FAL-armed power armour sketch. Is that the kind of thing you were going for? (The FAL's based on the first result on Google Images - I'm afraid I'm not familiar enough with it to know if it's accurate or not)

That's damn good looking!

[Virana]

In addition to what Gawdzendia said, you have to take into consideration the fact that different designs of helmets provide different levels of protection and head coverage. Additionally, differing designs affect soldiers' hearing differently and channel explosive energy in vastly different ways.

The modern PASGT based design was derived from the German Stahlhelm (sp?) from WWII. Out of all WWII helmets, it provided the best overall coverage and characteristics. PASGT was a radically modernized version of that, and modern US helmets (ACH, ECH, and LWH) are all roughly based on the PASGT (as well as most modern ballistic combat helmets in the world).

Also a minor correction—that "mesh/cloth/bag" is actually a helmet cover, and many armies issue it so that soldiers don't have to paint their helmets in the appropriate colors; it also helps in sound discipline. Most troops don't get helmet covers with netting for local foliage though; those are generally more expensive (due to their hybrid construction) and generally only special forces have them. Most personnel in a majority of armies use simpler helmet covers with a single-piece construction with a camouflage pattern printed on them. Helmet covers were first used in very limited numbers in WWII (instead most forces used camouflage netting).

So essentially, the appearance of modern combat helmets is due to it being pretty much the best possible shape for head coverage, the materials that construct it, and the advantages of wearing helmet covers.

So the horribly ugly thing is actually a helmet cover bag that serves no purpose other than making camouflage easier and underneath we still have the beautiful old ones in terms of shape?

Well it's sorta similar, but the design has evolved a bit.

Here's a good link.

PASGT was the replacement of the M1 combat helmet, and thus was the one based on the Stahlhelm. US Army replaced PASGT with ACH/MICH, which incorporates superior ballistic protection but has a lighter, more tactical cut (a little less coverage though). US Marines replaced the PASGT with the Lightweight Helmet (LWH), which has superior ballistic protection than the PASGT but an almost identical cut.

Currently the US military's working on the ECH, whose cut is based on the ACH/MICH, but uses advanced Dyneema HB80 thermoplastics rather than Kevlar. That project was spearheaded by the USMC. The ECH is expected to provide rifle-level protection, particularly for protecting against sniper shots.

[Ularn]

So last you all heard, I was redrawing my THR-432 series. I'm still a fair way from finished, but here's a WIP:

Obviously this one has better shading and I think losing the adjustable stock was a good call aesthetically as well as functionally, although it might make a reappearance in some variant intended for aliens with longer forearms. Stuff that still needs worked on is adding and tinkering with the detail, finishing off the shading where the rear of the barrel merges with the receiver, and doing something about that godawful muzzle break. An AK-74's flash hider on a 24th Century railgun? What was I thinking?

[Purpelia]

(Image)

That looks good enough.

Well it's sorta similar, but the design has evolved a bit.

Here's a good link.

PASGT was the replacement of the M1 combat helmet, and thus was the one based on the Stahlhelm. US Army replaced PASGT with ACH/MICH, which incorporates superior ballistic protection but has a lighter, more tactical cut (a little less coverage though). US Marines replaced the PASGT with the Lightweight Helmet (LWH), which has superior ballistic protection than the PASGT but an almost identical cut.

Currently the US military's working on the ECH, whose cut is based on the ACH/MICH, but uses advanced Dyneema HB80 thermoplastics rather than Kevlar. That project was spearheaded by the USMC. The ECH is expected to provide rifle-level protection, particularly for protecting against sniper shots.

I just hate how the cover is always slightly crumpled and generally makes the helmet look as if it were made out of compressed dish rags. Without it the shape is fine.

[Virana]

(Image)

That looks good enough.

Well it's sorta similar, but the design has evolved a bit.

Here's a good link.

PASGT was the replacement of the M1 combat helmet, and thus was the one based on the Stahlhelm. US Army replaced PASGT with ACH/MICH, which incorporates superior ballistic protection but has a lighter, more tactical cut (a little less coverage though). US Marines replaced the PASGT with the Lightweight Helmet (LWH), which has superior ballistic protection than the PASGT but an almost identical cut.

Currently the US military's working on the ECH, whose cut is based on the ACH/MICH, but uses advanced Dyneema HB80 thermoplastics rather than Kevlar. That project was spearheaded by the USMC. The ECH is expected to provide rifle-level protection, particularly for protecting against sniper shots.

I just hate how the cover is always slightly crumpled and generally makes the helmet look as if it were made out of compressed dish rags. Without it the shape is fine.

The reason most helmet covers are like that is because they're a single piece. It's like draping wrapping paper on a spherical gift - it just doesn't work perfectly.

Some helmet covers, particularly expensive ones made by companies like FirstSpear and Crye Precision, have multiple materials in their construction and have stretch panels which allow them to more effectively conform to the helmets. Of course again, these are more expensive and generally available only to special forces (unless the soldier wants to spend his own money on a helmet cover - only to prevent wrinkles in the helmet).

Which sorta ends up a paradox because most special forces operators remove the cover from their helmets entirely, just because they can.

[Purpelia]

The reason most helmet covers are like that is because they're a single piece. It's like draping wrapping paper on a spherical gift - it just doesn't work perfectly.

Some helmet covers, particularly expensive ones made by companies like FirstSpear and Crye Precision, have multiple materials in their construction and have stretch panels which allow them to more effectively conform to the helmets. Of course again, these are more expensive and generally available only to special forces (unless the soldier wants to spend his own money on a helmet cover - only to prevent wrinkles in the helmet).

Which sorta ends up a paradox because most special forces operators remove the cover from their helmets entirely, just because they can.

I want to get rid of those things altogether and just use my helmet spike to mount netting with foliage. Sure it's more expensive overall. But my army is purely defensive so it won't need to keep a variety of helmets on hand and can hence afford it much better than an expeditionary force like most modern western armies are. And I can always claim to have a lolhuge legacy stockpile of netting left over from WW2 or something.

God knows I had more men in service back than than I do now.

[3 State Alliance]

So last you all heard, I was redrawing my THR-432 series. I'm still a fair way from finished, but here's a WIP:

(Image)

(Image)
Obviously this one has better shading and I think losing the adjustable stock was a good call aesthetically as well as functionally, although it might make a reappearance in some variant intended for aliens with longer forearms. Stuff that still needs worked on is adding and tinkering with the detail, finishing off the shading where the rear of the barrel merges with the receiver, and doing something about that godawful muzzle break. An AK-74's flash hider on a 24th Century railgun? What was I thinking?

You and your badass space guns. Seriously though, I think these are so hardcore. I really like how you're going away from the boxy-ass future gun look. Keep up the good work, and know that because these are not available in the 2030s that I hate you.

Edit:
this is total win.

[Fordorsia]

So last you all heard, I was redrawing my THR-432 series. I'm still a fair way from finished, but here's a WIP:

(Image)

(Image)
Obviously this one has better shading and I think losing the adjustable stock was a good call aesthetically as well as functionally, although it might make a reappearance in some variant intended for aliens with longer forearms. Stuff that still needs worked on is adding and tinkering with the detail, finishing off the shading where the rear of the barrel merges with the receiver, and doing something about that godawful muzzle break. An AK-74's flash hider on a 24th Century railgun? What was I thinking?

You and your badass space guns. Seriously though, I think these are so hardcore. I really like how you're going away from the boxy-ass future gun look. Keep up the good work, and know that because these are not available in the 2030s that I hate you.

Edit:
this is total win.

Where do get please?

[Ulfr-Reich]

Oh America, you so disappointing: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/04/02/us-servicemen-rifle-hands-1996/

[Aqizithiuda]

Oh America, you so disappointing: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/04/02/us-servicemen-rifle-hands-1996/

I know, right? How could they even consider such poor choices?

[Yes Im Biop]

I can't remember where I heard it but apperatly the US is switching to the SCAR platform.

Gods fuck you google. I liked my rounded options why you fuck that up?!

[Spirit of Hope]

I can't remember where I heard it but apperatly the US is switching to the SCAR platform.

Gods fuck you google. I liked my rounded options why you fuck that up?!

They thought about it, issued it to the rangers, and then decided not to. Its competing for the future carbine thing but thats it.

[Lolzieristan]

I can't remember where I heard it but apperatly the US is switching to the SCAR platform.

Gods fuck you google. I liked my rounded options why you fuck that up?!

I heard that as well, also that they're switching BACK to the 7.62x51mm as a standard infantry cartridge.

God, NATO has to be sick of that by now.
US, 1960: "Hey, look at this shiny new cartridge!"
NATO: "OK!"
US, 1970: "Hey, look at THIS shiny new cartridge! And replace all yer other guns!"
NATO: "...fine."
US, now: "Now, I remember what I said, but...let's go back to that first one."
NATO: [expletives deleted]

[Ulfr-Reich]

I can't remember where I heard it but apperatly the US is switching to the SCAR platform.

Gods fuck you google. I liked my rounded options why you fuck that up?!

I heard that as well, also that they're switching BACK to the 7.62x51mm as a standard infantry cartridge.

God, NATO has to be sick of that by now.
US, 1960: "Hey, look at this shiny new cartridge!"
NATO: "OK!"
US, 1970: "Hey, look at THIS shiny new cartridge! And replace all yer other guns!"
NATO: "...fine."
US, now: "Now, I remember what I said, but...let's go back to that first one."
NATO: [expletives deleted]

How many British troops will be foaming at mouth with rage if this proves true?

I don't mean, going batshit over going back to 7.62, but going batshit over America being so fukkin' indecisive over a conclusion that should've been hit LONG ago.

[Ularn]

I can't remember where I heard it but apperatly the US is switching to the SCAR platform.

Gods fuck you google. I liked my rounded options why you fuck that up?!

I heard that as well, also that they're switching BACK to the 7.62x51mm as a standard infantry cartridge.

God, NATO has to be sick of that by now.
US, 1960: "Hey, look at this shiny new cartridge!"
NATO: "OK!"
US, 1970: "Hey, look at THIS shiny new cartridge! And replace all yer other guns!"
NATO: "...fine."
US, now: "Now, I remember what I said, but...let's go back to that first one."
NATO: [expletives deleted]

Hopefully ending with:

NATO: Screw you yanks, we're going with .303 British.

[Bajireyn]

Oh America, you so disappointing: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/04/02/us-servicemen-rifle-hands-1996/

On that note, why did the Steyr ACR never get adopted?