the British mk6 helmet

The Mk 6 helmet is a type of combat helmet that was the standard of the British Armed Forces as well as another supplied helmet of the UN during peacekeeping operations. The Mk 6 replaced the Mk IV helmet (more correctly titled – Helmet Steel MK IV, General Service) in army service and the RAC helmet in naval service. The jump in MK numbers is thought due to the confusion surrounding the MK IV helmet using the MK V lining, introduced in 1959. The MK 6, introduced into service from the 1980s, is designed to accept modern ear protection, Bowman personal radios, and respirators. The helmet is manufactured by NP Aerospace, and is reported to have an "almost unlimited service life" by the manufacturer. The helmet in its default configuration is a dark green. The army use covers to camouflage the helmet and adapt it to different environments. Covers include the British Disruptive Pattern Material in temperate, woodland and desert patterns, multicam pattern, Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform, a pure white cover for arctic environments and a United Nations blue coloured cover. It is sometimes referred as the "battle bowler", a term first used for the First World War Brodie helmet. The Mk 6 is often mistakenly thought to be made out of kevlar when in fact it is constructed of "Ballistic Nylon" - nylon fibre. From June 2009 the helmet was replaced by the Mk 7 helmet.