Item Description
Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a set of three helmets which were brought back by a USGI after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The set consists of two M80 helmets and one M90 helmet.
The Iraqi M80 Helmet is a military helmet made of compressed canvas used by the Iraqi Armed Forces from the early 1980s onwards. They were used in the Iran–Iraq War, the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). These helmets were originally manufactured and designed in South Korea.
Clearly drawing inspiration from the American M1 Helmet which had first appeared during World War II, it differed significantly in being constructed from compressed layers of fabric coated in plastic. This inevitably offered troops a much lower degree of ballistic protection than a steel helmet, or modern composite helmet such as the PASGT. The M80's liner is a direct copy of the Riddell liner seen on American M1 helmets made after 1972 and used a US type T1 chinstrap. The helmets were supplied painted dark green, this was often over painted in a desert tan color which has a tendency to rub off, revealing the original color underneath. They also have a tendency to fray at the edges, showing the layers of fabric used in their construction.
In 1990 an Iraqi-made version of this helmet, the M90, appeared which was of inferior quality construction. These later helmets are prone to splitting at the edges and have a protective rubber rim. The post 1990 helmets were supplied in desert tan colour only. Both types of helmet can be found with a variety of Arabic and military unit markings, and are sometimes painted white with red markings for the Iraqi Military Police. Iraqi helmets were abandoned in large numbers on the battlefields of Iraq and Kuwait and proved to be popular souvenirs with western soldiers returning home from the Persian Gulf.
The Iraqi M90 Helmet is made of a light plastic and used in large numbers during the second Gulf War along with the M80 and some Eastern Bloc steel helmets. The rubber rim is designed to protect the fragile edge of the helmet, also doubles for securing nets and covers. These helmets are still in use today.
All three helmets are complete with liners and chinstraps and are offered in good used condition.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
