British Army GS MK6 Helmet
Manufacturer: NP Aerospace Ltd, Coventry, England
Model: General service combat helmet MK6
Country: UK
Production run: 1984 - 2013
Composition: Ballistic Nylon
Service life: Unlimited
NATO stock number: 8415-99-132-6006
Replaced by: MK6a (from 2005) then MK7 (2009)
The MK6 combat helmet
The British MK6 was one of the world's first composite combat helmets to come into service. It was lightweight, tough and offered the army an almost indefinite shelf life negating the need for periodic replacement.
The MK6 was designed so a soldier could use a radio headset or respirator without taking off his/her helmet. The helmet came into existence in the early part of the 1980s as a logical and long overdue replacement to the old fashioned all-metal 'Turtle Shell' which had been a stalwart of the army since the 1950s. These old steel shell helmets had been used in one form or another since the second world war but by the 1980s could not compete in performance with more modern helmets which used nylon and Kevlar materials in their construction.
The MK6 was in service with the British army during many conflicts in the latter part of the 20th century. The troubles in Northern Ireland, the first and second Iraq wars, the Kosovo/Balkens war and the war in Afghanistan to name a few.
The MK6 has itself become a long lasting legend in the history of the British army. From it's early beginnings in the 1980s right up to present day, the MK6 has been in continuous service in some form or other. Today the new MK7 is officially the helmet of all units of the army but the transition from old to new starting in 2009 has only recently been completed. They were in no rush to phase it out.
Bulletproof?
Although not using Kevlar in its construction, the Ballistic nylon MK6 was considered bulletproof to many. Unfortunately this now appears not to the case. According to some ballistics experts the MK6 couldn't stop a damn thing!. Videos on YouTube provide a visual acknowledgement of this. Take a look at the video below and see how the MK6 performs with various types of ammunition. Quite surprising.
Video credit Mike B
Despite what some people say Balistic nylon and Kevlar are not the same. Both of these materials have different properties and perform in different ways. Kevlar is one of the toughest man made fibers and is used in bulletproof vests, body armour and helmets to name a few. The only problem with Kevlar is that it can degrade over time and lose it's original strength.
Ballistic nylon on the other hand is stretchier, more versatile and according to it's manufacturers can last an indefinite amount of time thus offering an incredible long shelf life. The only down side is it isn't as robust as Kevlar and (as demonstrated in the video) pretty useless in stopping bullets!
Other than a composite shell the MK6 features a three point cotton/nylon strap system, foam padding front and back and a hard foam inner lining. Beside a few buckles and fixing points there is very little metal used in it's construction.
Despite its little flaws, the MK6 was a reliable helmet during its official time with the M.O.D. - so good in fact that the MK6 is still used today in some reserve and cadet units of the British army.
The unlimited service life of the materials and simple design of the helmet is surely a factor for this longevity.
Desert DPM camo cover
This desert DPM helmet was made in the 1995 and saw duty in the war with Afghanistan. It's a little battle worn in places but good overall.
Woodland DPM cover
This woodland DPM helmet was made in 1988 and saw duty in Northern Ireland during the 'troubles' . I actually bought this helmet from the soldier it was issued to. - he had really looked after it too.
Latest Multi terrain pattern cover
This MTP covered MK6 was made in 1998 and is the youngest helmet in my collection. I have no idea where it has been and who has owned it but it is still a fine example.
MTP scrim cover
The MTP scrim helmet cover is an interesting one. Here we see a basic MTP cover with a multitude of MTP fabric strips hanging off. Looking like someone had been cutting up an old field shirt and stuck them on.
A really useful helmet cover for use in dense foliage when a high level of camouflage is needed.
Despite owning three of these helmets and stating that I would keep one and sell the rest I think I might change my mind and keep the lot! They are just too good to get rid of!.