Modèle 1978 helmet
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TheModèle 1978 helmetis a modern military steel helmet used by theFrench Armyunder theF1designation and commonly called "heavy helmet" (other nicknames include "locomotive skin cap" ). It replaced theModèle 1951 helmet.It was the standard helmet for both the Army and theMobile Gendarmerie.In 1992 theSPECTRA helmetstarted to supersede the Modèle 1978. The SPECTRA helmet is made of Spectra fiber, which makes the Modèle 1978 the last French helmet made of steel.
Design and production
[edit]The Modèle 1978 is a one-piece helmet made 1.2mm of amagnetic steel, weighing 1.2 kg.[1]They were usually painted in NATO olive paint with IR-isolating properties to reduce the thermal signature of the wearer.[2]It was made by the Dunois company inCousance,and by GIAT inRennes.By 1983, some 300,000 helmets were in service, for a total of 700,000 planned.[1]
History
[edit]Research on the Modèle 1978 helmet started around 1973. In contrast to theModèle 1951 helmet,the new model was a one-piece heavy helmet, rather than consisting of a light liner underneath a stronger metal helmet. Prototypes went for testing in the1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment,the 75th Infantry Regiment and the 13th Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins.[3]
On 5 June 1978, the French Army adopted prototypes helmet A4 and chin strap A5 as the Modèle 1978 helmet.[3]Usage by paratroopers, in particular, yielded improvements to the chin strap to avoid accidents. The modified variant entered service in 1982 as the F1 série 2 helmet.[3]The helmet can be fitted with a plastic camouflage covering.[4]
The Modèle 1978 helmet saw itsbaptism of firewith theMultinational Force in Lebanonin 1982.[4]
Users
[edit]
Citations and references
[edit]Citations
- ^abDagnas (1984),p. 124.
- ^Spencer Kidd (2013),p. 97.
- ^abcDagnas (1984),p. 125.
- ^abDagnas (1984),p. 126.
References
- Coune, Frédéric (1984).Les casques militaires franc̦ais 1864-2015.Paris: Histoire & Collections.ISBN9782352504269.OCLC927363934.
- Dagnas, Jean-Gabriel (1984).Les casques de combat du monde entier de 1915 à nos jours.Limoges: Lavauzelle.ISBN9782702500514.OCLC84566886.
- Spencer Kidd, R (2013).Military uniforms in Europe 1900 - 2000.Vol. 2. Lulu.com.ISBN9781291187465.
- McNab, Chris; Dréer, Francis; Richard, Olivier (2012).Uniformes et tenues de combat: encyclopédie visuelle.Paris: Elcy Éditions.ISBN9782753205840.OCLC822873180.
External links
[edit]- Grenot, Martial."Le modèle militaire 1978".Retrieved22 June2020.
- De Hovre, Pierre."Casque modèle F-1 série 1".World War Helmets.Retrieved22 June2020.