# Lightweight Helmet

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Armored helmet used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy

Lightweight Helmet USMC Lightweight Helmet in brown color Type Helmet Place of origin United States Service history In service 2003–present Used by United States Marine Corps United States Navy Wars Global War on Terrorism Iraq War War in Afghanistan Russo-Ukrainian War Production history Designed 1999–2003 Manufacturer BAE Systems, Gentex Corporation Produced June 2003 – present Specifications Weight approx. 3.2 lbs/1.45 kg

The **Lightweight Helmet** (**LWH**), also known as the **Lightweight Marine Corps Helmet**[1] or **Lightweight Marine Helmet**, is an armored helmet that is used by the [United States Marine Corps](/source/United_States_Marine_Corps) and [U.S. Navy](/source/United_States_Navy). It is the U.S. Marine Corps' replacement for the [PASGT](/source/Personnel_Armor_System_for_Ground_Troops) [combat helmet](/source/Combat_helmet)[2] and is derived from the [Modular Integrated Communications Helmet](/source/Modular_Integrated_Communications_Helmet).

The helmet was rated by the manufacturer to stop penetrations of 124 gr, 9mm FMJ at 1450 (-50 + 0 ft/s).[3] This was a considerable improvement over the previous PASGT helmet.

## History

U.S. Navy sailor in 2009 wearing a LWH

U.S. Navy sailor in 2009 wearing a LWH

U.S. Navy sailors in 2011 each wearing a LWH

U.S. Navy sailor in 2015 wearing a LWH with a [PASGT](/source/PASGT) vest

As it is nearly identical to untrained eyes in shape to the PASGT, outside the Marine Corps it is still called the **Fritz helmet** or **K-pot** (due to its resemblance to the German [Stahlhelm](/source/Stahlhelm)). Though heavier than the [United States Army](/source/United_States_Army)'s [Advanced Combat Helmet](/source/Advanced_Combat_Helmet), its larger size also offers more protection and is lighter than the PASGT. The reduced weight and increased protection is through the use of [Twaron](/source/Twaron), a [para-aramid](/source/Aramid) synthetic fiber.[3] Featuring a four-point retention strap system (compared to the two-point retention of the PASGT) and redesigned liner, it is considered more comfortable than the PASGT.[4]

The LWH was designed from 1999 to 2003, with prototype testing being conducted from 2000 to 2002 in California and North Carolina. 200,000 of the helmets entered service in mid-to-late 2003,[5] with an expected service life of 15 years. It completely replaced the PASGT in USMC frontline service by 2009. The LWH was made by the Pennsylvanian-based Gentex Corporation and BAE Systems in five sizes.[6][7] Beginning in 2007, pads were installed in the helmet to improve comfort for wearers.[8]

Whereas the PASGT helmet's shell is olive drab, the LWH's is coyote brown[9] and can be fitted with cloth [helmet covers](/source/Helmet_cover), either originally made for the PASGT or more commonly those made for the LWH in desert and woodland [MARPAT](/source/MARPAT), as well as a mounting bracket on the front for any sort of night vision device, such as the [AN/PVS-7](/source/AN%2FPVS-7) [night vision goggle](/source/Night_vision_device) or [AN/PVS-14](/source/AN%2FPVS-14) [monocular](/source/Monocular) [night vision device](/source/Night_vision_device) (MNVD). Marines currently can be issued with a sling suspension or a pad suspension to fit the inside of the helmet to the head.[10] A [nape](/source/Nape) protection system adds ballistic protection to the rear of the head was also added as to reduce strain and improve comfort to the back of the neck.[11]

## Successor

This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: "The end of 2013" has passed quite some time ago.. Please help update this section to reflect recent events or newly available information. (October 2020)

The Marine Corps placed its first order for the [Enhanced Combat Helmet](/source/Enhanced_Combat_Helmet_(United_States)) in July 2013, and was fielded to deployed Marines by the end of 2013. The ECH is planned to equip all deployed Marines, while the Lightweight Helmet will still be used for training and noncombat purposes.[12] Beginning in 2021, a high cut ECH variant with attachment rails and a contour similar to the [Ops-Core FAST helmet](/source/Future_Assault_Shell_Technology_helmet) already in use by special operations forces was issued to Marines in combat arms units.[13]

## Users

- [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand):[New Zealand Defence Force](/source/Uniforms_of_the_New_Zealand_Army), 2000-2019. Supplied by [UNICOR](/source/Federal_Prison_Industries).[14][15]

- [Ukraine](/source/Ukraine)[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- United States - [United States Marine Corps](/source/United_States_Marine_Corps)[16] (and [attached U.S. Navy personnel](/source/Fleet_Marine_Force)) - [United States Navy](/source/United_States_Navy) - [Seabees](/source/Seabees)[17]

## See also

- [Advanced Combat Helmet](/source/Advanced_Combat_Helmet)

- [Enhanced Combat Helmet](/source/Enhanced_Combat_Helmet_(United_States))

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["World War Helmets - Erreur 404"](http://www.world-war-helmets.com/fiche.php?q=Casque-US-Lightweight-Helmet).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Lightweight helmet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20241204183547/https://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Portals/105/PfM/GCES/PM_ICE/Info%20Sheets/Individual%20Armor%20Team/LWH%20PIS_2018.pdf?ver=2018-04-24-144757-590) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Portals/105/PfM/GCES/PM_ICE/Info%20Sheets/Individual%20Armor%20Team/LWH%20PIS_2018.pdf?ver=2018-04-24-144757-590) (PDF) on 2024-12-04.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) [https://web.archive.org/web/20031208140347if_/http://www.gentexcorp.com:80/PDFfiles/usmc.pdf](https://web.archive.org/web/20031208140347if_/http://www.gentexcorp.com:80/PDFfiles/usmc.pdf). {{[cite journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_journal)}}: Cite journal requires |journal= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#missing_periodical)); Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The Warrior"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130602063340/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/03/julyaug/index.htm#a2). *www.natick.army.mil*. Archived from [the original](http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/03/julyaug/index.htm#a2) on 2013-06-02. Retrieved 2007-09-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["The Warrior"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040102055100/http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/03/julyaug/index.htm#a2). Archived from the original on 2004-01-02.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [https://web.archive.org/web/20170903104528/http://www.gentexcorp.com/assets/base/TechnicalPublications/PadSuspensionSizingChart.pdf](https://web.archive.org/web/20170903104528/http://www.gentexcorp.com/assets/base/TechnicalPublications/PadSuspensionSizingChart.pdf). Archived from the original on 2017-09-03. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["L/W Marine Helmet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061016001914/http://www.gentexcorp.com/default.aspx?pageid=955). Archived from the original on 2006-10-16.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["USMC Lightweight Ballistic Protective Helmet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170903104415/http://www.gentexcorp.com/assets/base/helmets/usmclw(2-09).pdf) (PDF). Archived from the original on 2017-09-03.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["USMC Lightweight Helmet (LWH)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150327025616/http://www.gentexcorp.com/shopaviationhelmets/ground-dismounted/usmc-lightweight-helmet-lwh). *www.gentexcorp.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.gentexcorp.com/shopaviationhelmets/ground-dismounted/usmc-lightweight-helmet-lwh) on 2015-03-27. Retrieved 2016-03-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Marine Corps Lightweight Helmet: Sling Suspension vs. Padded Suspension"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090304135039/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/AddInfo/Armor/LWH/LWH%20Sling%20vs%20Pad.pdf) (PDF). *Marine Corps Systems Command*. USMC. p. 2. Archived from [the original](http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/AddInfo/Armor/LWH/LWH%20Sling%20vs%20Pad.pdf) (PDF) on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2008-07-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Hoellwarth, John (March 2007). ["Extended Protection"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090304135009/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/News/Armor/LWH/Extended%20Protection%2C%20New%20helmet%20pads%20shield%20neck%20from%20fragments.pdf) (PDF). *[Marine Corps Times](/source/Marine_Corps_Times)*. [Army Times Publishing Company](/source/Army_Times_Publishing_Company). Archived from [the original](http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/PMICE/News/Armor/LWH/Extended%20Protection,%20New%20helmet%20pads%20shield%20neck%20from%20fragments.pdf) (PDF) on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2008-07-22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [New combat helmets coming for deploying Marines](http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130729/NEWS04/307290043/New-combat-helmets-coming-deploying-Marines) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131007105840/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130729/NEWS04/307290043/New-combat-helmets-coming-deploying-Marines) 2013-10-07 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - MarineCorpstimes.com, 29 July 2013

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Supporting the future fight: MCSC modernizing infantry capabilities"](https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2599349/supporting-the-future-fight-mcsc-modernizing-infantry-capabilities/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Composite Helmet, Ballistic helmets, Military helmets NEW ZEALAND helmet, Kevlar helmet"](http://www.gostak.co.uk/composites/new%20zealand/). *www.gostak.co.uk*. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["UNICOR-Made Military Helmets Recalled, Production Suspended | Prison Legal News"](https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2011/jan/15/unicor-made-military-helmets-recalled-production-suspended/). *www.prisonlegalnews.org*. Retrieved 11 May 2023.[*[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["USMC Lightweight Helmet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040113084029/http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/media/fact/individual/USMC_LtwtHelmet.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/media/fact/individual/USMC_LtwtHelmet.htm) on 2004-01-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["A New Generation Unfurls"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201127114146/https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/05/2007_4Winter.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/05/2007_4Winter.pdf) (PDF) on 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2019-08-07.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Lightweight Helmet](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lightweight_Helmet).

- [Marine Corps Systems Command Page about the LWH](https://web.archive.org/web/20081205045511/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/ALWH.asp)

- [World-War-Helmets.com - LWH Helmet](https://web.archive.org/web/20151002021340/http://www.world-war-helmets.com/fiche.php?q=Casque-US-Lightweight-Helmet) (French)

v t e Helmets Individual historical helmets Agighiol Agris Benty Grange Broe Canterbury Ciumeşti Coppergate Coțofenești Coventry Sallet Crosby Garrett Emesa Gevninge Gjermundbu Guilden Morden Guisborough Hallaton Hellvi Henry VIII's Horned Horncastle Iron Gates Lokrume Meyrick Nemiya Newstead Nijmegen Peretu Pioneer Ribchester Shorwell Staffordshire Sutton Hoo Tjele Veksø Venetian Waterloo Witcham Gravel Yarm Combat Ancient Attic Boar's tusk Boeotian Chalcidian Coolus Corinthian Cudon Galea Illyrian Imperial Kegelhelm Konos Late Roman ridge Montefortino Negau Novo Mesto Phrygian Pilos Medieval and Early Modern Armet Aventail Barbute Bascinet Burgonet Cervelliere Close Dragoon Enclosed Falling buffe Frog-mouth Germanic boar Great Hounskull Jingasa Kabuto Katapu Kettle Kulah khud Lamellenhelm Lobster-tailed pot Menpo Morion Nasal Paseki Pickelhaube Sallet Secrete Spangenhelm Takula tofao Turban Viking Late Modern Dragoon Pickelhaube Pith helmet Tarleton helmet 1914–1945 Adrian Brodie M36 (Bulgaria) M32 (Czechoslovakia) M1923 (Denmark) Stahlhelm (Germany) M1934/39 (Greece) Helmet Steel Airborne Troop M33 (Italy) M42 Duperite M1 M1C Mark II and Mark 4 "talker" Mk III Netherlands M34 Hełm wz. 31 M1940 (Portugal) RAC SSh-36 SSh-39 and SSh-40 M1921 (Spain) M1926 (Spain) M1934 (Spain) M1942 Modelo Z SSK 90 M1926 (Sweden) M1937 (Sweden) L'Eplattenier M1918 (Switzerland) Type 92 Tetsubo 1945–1980 Bangtan Helmet CABAL II Czechoslovak Vz. 53 Helmet GK80 Hungarian M70 Romanian M73 helmet Mº 44 E.T.A. M59/85 Hełm wz. 50 Hełm wz. 63 Hełm wz. 67 M63 M76 Para Mk IV Mk 6 Modèle 1951 Modèle 1978 MPC-1 OR-201 Paratrooper SSh-60 SSh-68 Swiss M71 Type 66 1980–2000 CG634 M92 GOLFO M90 (Iraq) JK 96 M59/85 M87 PASGT Hełm wz. 93 Hełm wz. 2000 Sfera SPECTRA 6B7 2001–present A2 Helmet Advanced Combat Helmet BK-3 helmet QGF-03 ECH (Australia) ECH (US) FAST 6B47 Hełm wz. 2005 Hełm HBT-02 Hełm HP-05 IHPS KH-B2000 Lightweight Helmet MICH Mk 7 Athletic Batting Coolflo Boxing / Martial Arts Bicycle Cricket Equestrian Gridiron football Eyeshield Revolution Hockey Lacrosse Motorcycle Racing Scrum cap Ski Work Custodian Diving Firefighter's Hard hat Riot protection Welding Other Flight Helmet cover Mitznefet Heraldic use Horned Mahiole Tarnhelm Pith American fiber Winged Zuckerman

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lightweight Helmet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightweight_Helmet) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightweight_Helmet?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.