Key insights

• ⚒️ Soviet spetsnaz soldiers in the 1980s upgraded their protective equipment with titanium helmets from a Swiss company called TIG, specifically the model PSH-77.
• 🔧 Soviets modified helmets with new communication systems for Spetsnaz groups in the Afghan War, leading to successful performance in action and a larger batch purchase.
• 🔨 The Russian Alton helmet was an improved version of the Swiss PSH-77, with a three millimeter thickness, aramid support, and a titanium visor. The production process was different, resulting in a more uniform thickness.
• 🔬 The Alton R1 helmet was tested to be more efficient than its Swiss counterpart, but the temporal region was found to be vulnerable to certain pistol cartridges.
• 🏭 The Alton R1 production started in 1991 with 100-120 helmets per year, leading to the 1997 Alton P2M with improved titanium armor and aramid support. The helmet was utilized by Spetsnaz units and underwent serious combat tests during the Chechen wars.
• 💂‍♂️ The Alton helmet, designed to be worn with a visor, was often preferred without it due to comfort and aiming issues. Despite ceasing production in 2009, it remains in use and has influenced newer helmet designs.

Q&A

• Why did soldiers often prefer to wear the Alton helmet without its visor?

  The Alton helmet was originally designed to be worn with a visor. However, soldiers often chose to wear it without the visor for increased comfort and to address aiming issues while using rifles. Despite ceasing production in 2009, it remains in use and has influenced newer helmet designs.

• What significant developments occurred with the Alton helmet after its initial production?

  The Alton R1 production started in 1991 and led to the 1997 Alton P2M with improved titanium armor and aramid support. The helmet was utilized by Spetsnaz units and underwent serious combat tests during the Chechen wars.

• How did the Alton R1 helmet compare to its Swiss counterpart, and what vulnerabilities did it have?

  The Alton R1 helmet was tested to be more efficient than its Swiss counterpart. However, the temporal region was found to be vulnerable to certain pistol cartridges, despite the helmet's overall improved design.

• What was the Russian Alton helmet, and how did it differ from the Swiss PSH-77?

  The Russian Alton helmet was developed in the late 1980s as an improved version of the Swiss PSH-77. It had a three millimeter thick titanium shell, aramid support, and a titanium visor. The production process resulted in a more uniform thickness.

• How did the Soviets modify the helmets for Spetsnaz groups during the Soviet-Afghan war?

  Soviets modified helmets by removing the aramid layer and original communications installment. The modified PSH-77 helmets were issued to specific Spetsnaz groups and were used during Operation Storm 333, the assault on the Taj Beck Palace in Kabul.

• What type of helmets did Soviet spetsnaz soldiers use in the 1980s?

  Soviet spetsnaz soldiers in the 1980s upgraded their protective equipment with titanium helmets from a Swiss company called TIG, specifically the model PSH-77.

• 00:02 Soviet spetsnaz soldiers in the 1980s upgraded their protective equipment with titanium helmets from a Swiss company called TIG, specifically the model PSH-77.
• 01:01 Soviets modified helmets with new communication systems for Spetsnaz groups in the Afghan War, leading to successful performance in action and a larger batch purchase.
• 01:49 The Russian Alton helmet was an improved version of the Swiss PSH-77, with a three millimeter thickness, aramid support, and a titanium visor. The production process was different, resulting in a more uniform thickness.
• 02:37 The Alton R1 helmet was tested to be more efficient than its Swiss counterpart, but the temporal region was found to be vulnerable to certain pistol cartridges.
• 03:22 The Alton R1 production started in 1991 with 100-120 helmets per year, leading to the 1997 Alton P2M with improved titanium armor and aramid support. The helmet was utilized by Spetsnaz units and underwent serious combat tests during the Chechen wars.
• 04:11 The Alton helmet, designed to be worn with a visor, was often preferred without it due to comfort and aiming issues. Despite ceasing production in 2009, it remains in use and has influenced newer helmet designs.