Almost everyone heard a word like a helmet. It has a considerable number of purposes and modifications. Today, such a hat as a “hat-helmet” is very popular. It is made from various materials for adults and children. About what a helmet is, its types and uses are described in detail in the article.
Dictionary word
Before you begin to consider what a helmet is, let us turn to the explanatory dictionary, which provides various meanings of this word. This is a headgear that fits your head tightly, covering your ears, nose, mouth and partially eyes. It has various purposes, the main of which is protection. And various forms, types and uses. Namely:
- Protective - used in military affairs, as well as in everyday life, for example, by representatives of the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB and others.
- Diving - for use underwater at various depths.
- Steel - (NL) military personnel protection equipment, also known as a hard hat.
- Kevlar - used by military personnel, differs only in that it is made of another material, namely Kevlar.
- Headset - a means of protection used by pilots, tank drivers, infantry fighting vehicles, BMD and others. It has a significant difference from the usual one, which is that it is combined with a laryngophone connected via a wired or wireless communication source. This device allows you to negotiate in conditions of increased noise.
- Helmet - used by military pilots.
Other types
In addition to the military, there are civilian helmets. They are also designed to protect the head from possible injuries. There are the following varieties, for example, sports:
- hockey - used in matches when playing with the puck and the ball;
- a helmet - for riding various types of motorcycles (track, cross);
- bicycle - for riding bicycles of various modifications (track, mountain, BMX);
- ski - used by skiers for downhill skiing, as well as ski jumping;
- boxing - used by athletes in sparring in training, and is also mandatory in amateur competitions;
- knightly - a type of ancient and medieval headgear, having a variety of shapes and made of various materials.
Continuing to consider what a helmet is, it should be noted that hats with such a name are now in demand. About them and other types of this headgear in more detail below.
History
Studying what a helmet is, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to its military variety. Military helmets originate in the days of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome (6-5 centuries BC). This fact is confirmed by various sculptures and images of warriors in this protective headdress.
Throughout its history, the helmet has undergone a significant transformation, and the materials from which it is made have changed radically. In modern history, since the time of the First World War, a helmet becomes an indispensable element in the uniform of soldiers of all European armies.
However, with the proliferation of firearms with increased breakdown power, the question arises of improving this protective headgear. Various materials are used to improve them, such as: leather, cork, steel, bronze and other metals.
Improvement Results
The first improvement in the characteristics of helmets (helmets) was taken by French engineers. They achieved some success in 1915. However, a year later, scientists from the University of Hanover developed the helmet of the M1916 series. Previously, he passed a series of tests at a military training ground, which showed his excellent protective qualities for that time.
This helmet was recognized as the best among the armies of countries participating in the First World War. The introduction of it as a mandatory attribute of army equipment allowed to significantly reduce combat losses - both killed and wounded. It should be noted that the helmets of that time still could not save from a rifle bullet. In the event that she did not pierce the helmet, she still significantly injured the soldier's neck vertebrae. Therefore, its purpose was to protect the warrior from shrapnel and splinters.
Second half of the 20th century
After the various types of helmets used in the Red Army, in 1940 they adopted the SS-40 (steel helmet). It was in this protective headdress that the army of the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany.
After the war in the countries of NATO and the USSR continued to improve the protective properties of soldier's helmets. In the Soviet Union, engineers continued to experiment with various materials, as a result of which in the 80s the production of a headdress made of titanium - STSH-81 ("Sphere") began.
In the late 90s, Russian scientists created the first tissue-polymer model - P7 6B7. In the United States since 2003, the Kevlar helmet, the Mitch 2000 Combat, has been coming into service with the army. It has good protective characteristics and is still in use.
In Russia, fabric-polymer helmets were adopted in 2006. They have various improvements and modifications. After some time, a new helmet 6B47 is issued for a set of equipment called "Warrior". It surpasses all analogues in its characteristics and today it is being introduced into the equipment of the military personnel of the Russian Federation.
Headdress
Currently, hats, which are called the "helmet", are in great demand. They are a hat that covers not only the head and ears, but also a significant area of the face. A helmet for boys is presented in a wide range not only in the model range, but also used in the production of materials. For example, wool, cotton and synthetic fibers.
This type of headgear has earned its popularity due to the fact that it covers the airways, which significantly reduces the risk of a child's illness in winter. It is also worth noting that such hats have a fairly high quality and low price, which makes it an even more attractive product.
Hats for girls are also on the market. Their range is wider, due to the fact that almost the entire color gamut is used (pink, blue and other tones). It should be noted that these hats are deservedly in demand and meet all the stated requirements.
Here is such a difficult and long way to go a helmet - from a means of protection against various types of weapons to a hat that helps calmly endure the winter cold.