DuPont Develops Lightweight Ballistic Helmet Material

DuPont Safety & Construction has developed a new lightweight innovation for tactical helmets, DuPont Tensylon HA120. The new material debuted in Paris at Eurosatory, June 11-15, 2018.

“DuPont Tensylon HA120 is a new material for helmets that provides maximum ballistic protection at a lighter weight than traditional helmets, taking some of the load off the men and women on the front lines,” said John Richard, vice president and general manager, DuPont Kevlar and Nomex. “Tensylon HA120 enables helmets to be up to 40 percent lighter than traditional helmets allowing military and law enforcement members worldwide to stay safer and move faster with improved mobility.”

Designed with optimum ballistic properties and impact resistance, Tensylon HA120 ensures maximum protection and lightweight durability for high-performance helmet applications, the company says. Optimizing the performance of traditional Tensylon solid state extruded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) film technology, allows manufacturers to make lightweight ballistic helmets with superior protection from bullet penetration and low back face deflection (BFD), in a single-step processing cycle. To improve mold release, bonding to paint and abrasion resistance, a Tensylon HA120 core can be co-molded with outer skins of woven fabrics made with Kevlar fiber.

“Innovation is a continuous process at DuPont," Richard said. "We’re constantly looking for new solutions that are stronger, lighter and more comfortable for the men and women protecting us. They deserve the best protection, so they can stay focused on the high-risk job of safeguarding their communities and their countries."