The U.S. Army is planning to deploy a combat helmet that is 22 percent lighter than the current helmet used by soldiers.
(FOX)- Announced on Monday, the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Generation II is said to weigh less and provide the same amount of protection, according to the Army.
The helmet uses ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, which is a lighter material than Kevlar. In addition, the Army says that the new helmet can stop rounds from a 9mm handgun as well as shell fragments.
A contract for up to $98 million to develop the helmets over the next five years was awarded to Revision Military, located in Vermont.
While the helmet’s weight depends upon its size, the Army said a large helmet will weigh under 2.5 pounds, roughly 12 ounces less than the current ACH in use.