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The actual date of introduction of the Mk6
is a subject of some discussion; at this point there is no absolutely
known date
for its first issue or first use on active service. It is known,
for example, that the Light Weight Parachutists helmet was used
on active service in the Falklands/Malvinas war, and it is also
know that a number of other ballistic plastic/composite type helmets
were trialled around that the time, but no firm date for introduction
of the Mk6 has been established.
To demonstate the problem, here are some proposed
dates from usually reliable sources;
1982 (CASQUES DE COMBAT, article by Marcus Cotton),
1982 (Joseba
Revuelda, website),
1982 (World War Helmets, website),
1984 (Marzetti,
ELMETTI),
"...from 1986" (Wikipedia),
1987 (Martin Brayley, TIN HATS TO
COMPOSITE HELMETS).
From that it would seem 1982 is highly likely,
but someone may know better. And indeed someone might; RICHARD AIXILL,
in email correspondence, points to this Written Answer in HANSARD
-
COMBAT HELMETS HC Deb 21 January 1986 vol 90
Mr. Warren
asked the
Secretary of State for Defence what are his plans for the purchase of
resin bonded fibre combat helmets; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Lee
First issues of
the new Mk 6 combat helmet, which is constructed in resin-bonded fibre,
were made in 1985 and will continue over the next seven years until all
relevant areas of the services are equipped with it.
Which certainly provides a good fixed waypoint
to hinge any argument around!
The earliest dated Mk6 I have is shown
here. Note that it is the early-type smooth light green finish.
It is also comparatively light compared to a later production model
- 1294g compared to 1458g (NB - the 1983-84 example is missing its
chinstrap but that would not account for the whole disparity of
weight).
Notice also that this 1983-84 model does not
have the two pre-prepared fixing holes for a visor as is usual in
later production models, and that appears normal for all pre-NP-produced
Mk6.
Another surprising point from RICHARD AIXILL
-
"I recently purchased an unused 1987 mk6.
This helmet is still in its original box (National Plastics) with
the plastic bag and contemporary DPM cover. One special aspect is
that the serial number on the box and the helmet match - I didn't
realise that mk6 helmets had an individually serialised number."
Certainly NP helmets always seem to have a
serial, but it is surprising that that extended to the packaging
as well. Worth noting that none of the NEI, the TRITON OLIVER or
the RBR have serials.
There is also some small mystery about when
the surface texture transformed from smooth to rough. The latest
dated smooth shell I have is 1986, and the earliest rough shell
is label dated 1988/89. There is a bit of a problem with accurate
dating because many helmets have lost their manufacturers labels
and dating is then difficult without taking out the liner and seeing
what is embossed on the inside of the shell - and that of course
is a problem because there is no umlimited supply of CN8415 99 130 6035 Rivet Mk6
to put the liners back in again!
An interesting piece of background, again
from RICHARD AIXILL -
"I am a serious collector of 1980’s period
British military equipment. This interest stems from my own military
service in the (Regular) British Army 1982-1988.
I have some direct knowledge about the introduction
of the MK6 helmet and I have also undertaken some research on the
subject. From 1984 to 1986 I was based at Warminster IDB (Infantry
Demonstration Battalion). Here we often worked with the ITDU (Infantry
Trials and Development Unit). ITDU were an organisation fundamentally
involved with the development and introduction of new equipment
for the infantry and the army as a whole. Some of the equipment
items I used at ITDU included trials and early versions of the MK
VI helmet. These helmets were very similar to the final MK VI -
having only minor design differences. Ballistic nylon composite
helmets were undergoing user trials at this time and they were evident
during the major BAOR exercise - Lionheart 84 - by elements of the
1st Battalion Irish Guards (note 1).
The new composite material helmet was intended
to replace the MK IV steel helmet. Research for this new helmet
is suggested to have stemmed from developments to equipment used
by the army in Northern Ireland (note.2). However, it is also possible
that a trial (un-adopted) version of the composite helmet was titled
MK V.
Development upon new types of a ballistic Helmet,
of varying designs, are suggested to have been conducted during
in the late 1970’s - for a recognisable MK VI design was later
listed for user trials to begin during 1981 (note.2). An extended
later trial, of 1000 units, probably accounts for the MK VI examples
dated 1983/4 manufactured by NEI Electronics LTD (note.5) .
The MK VI design having been accepted for service,
issue commenced with a pre-production run of 6,000 (this included
issue to elements of 5 Airborne Brigade) (note. 5). This was then
followed by the wider general issue, most likely commencing in mid
to late 1985 (note. 5). I myself was issued my first MK VI in March
1986 whilst on attachment in Northern Ireland (issue to troops stationed
in the province began sometime immediately prior). New equipment
at this time was usually first issued to BAOR and NI troops then
UK based Infantry followed by other units. Full scale issue continued
over the next couple of years.
The main production run of MK VI helmets was
completed by NP (National Plastics). National Plastics were at this
time part of the Courtaulds Group. The company subsequently changed
its name to NP Aerospace and latterly Morgan Advanced Materials.
The manufacturing facility has remained throughout at Foleshill
Road Coventry (note 6).
Note 1. Ref. Soldier Magazine 5/11/84
Note.2
Ref. Soldier Magazine 04/81
Note.3 Ref. TNA WO 352/68 ‘Physiological
Trials of the Modified 1956 pattern liner for the British Helmet
MK 4’. 1960. And TNA ref. WO352/47 ‘Comparative Physiological Trial
of a new issue Helmet Liner of theBritish Steel Helmet MKIV’. 1956
Note.4
Ref. TNA WO 291/1893 The Need for a New Design of Battle Helmet
for the Army. 1953
Note.5 Ref. Soldier Magazine 6/06/85
Note.6
Ref. http://www.morgancomposites.com/resources/brochures-and-literature/
"
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