ast week FoxNews.com noted that the researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Labs have been testing the current issue helmet, the MICH, which is used by the U.S. military. It was noted that just a quarter-inch, or even an eighth of an inch of additional padding would helmet greatly reduce the force to the skull when there is an impact to the helmet. The findings suggest this could be as great as a 24-percent reduction.
The researchers also looked to the helmets used by professional football players, as concussions are a big concern amongst the players. It was noted that a thicker foam system is used by the NFL players’ helmets than the spongier pads used in combat helmets, and that the NFL’s helmet padding worked better.
While the new study found that just adding padding could help, it would mean soldiers would need to wear larger – and thus heavier helmets. That’s not the best solution for troops who already have a lot of gear to bring. Likewise, a less comfortable helmet tends to be one that soldiers won’t wear as long, putting them in greater danger.
But the findings of the study aren’t likely to remain just in gear used on the battlefield or even just limited to the gridiron. In all likelihood this type of technology and improvements will filter down to helmets for bikes and ski slopes in the not too distance future.
[Via FoxNews.com: A Bit More Padding on Helmets Would Make Soldiers a Lot Safer, Researchers Say]