Description
HELMET TAIL
Novasteel Lobster-Tail
Ballistic Helmet Nape Protection
Though modern combat helmets provide significant head protection, multiple studies have shown the rear head and neck remain disproportionately vulnerable, especially in contemporary conflicts where fragmentation from explosives is the dominant cause of battlefield injuries. Data from recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan indicate that head and neck injuries now account for up to 39% of all combat-related trauma. Critically, wounds to the back of the head and neck have significantly increased, primarily due to explosive fragmentation bypassing existing armor, which emphasizes a clear need for enhanced coverage in these areas.
The NovaSteel Ballistic Helmet Tail addresses this vulnerability directly — with an innovative, modular, and articulating design. Comprising three durable and interlocking segments, the Helmet Tail allows soldiers and tactical operators to precisely customize their protective coverage according to specific operational conditions, terrain, and anticipated threats.
In riot control scenarios, the NovaSteel Lobster-Tail offers specialized advantages drawn from historical precedent. Soldiers historically wore helmets with segmented “lobster-tail” nape armor to protect themselves from melee strikes and projectiles commonly encountered in close-quarter, chaotic combat situations. Similarly, riot control officers face projectiles, thrown objects, and blunt-force impacts, often from above or behind, in densely crowded, dynamic environments. The articulated segments of the NovaSteel Lobster-Tail effectively absorb and deflect impacts from thrown objects, batons, bricks, bottles, or improvised weapons aimed at vulnerable neck and cervical regions. This specialized design ensures officers remain protected during crowd engagements, significantly enhancing safety and operational confidence without restricting mobility or visibility.
Functional Overview
Key Advantages:
Customizable Protection:
Users can easily configure the NovaSteel Lobster-Tail by employing one, two, or all three armor segments—providing scalable ballistic coverage exactly as required by mission profile and threat environment.
Articulated Flexibility:
Each segment moves independently, ensuring continuous coverage without impeding essential head movements or comfort. Operators can freely maneuver, assume prone positions, or quickly engage targets without interference.
Rapid Deployment:
Secure attachment via standard retention points ensures stable mounting, even under dynamic or high-stress conditions, without additional components or complicated installation procedures.
Blunt impacts:
Unlike traditional fabric neck protectors, the rigid NovaSteel segments provide consistently reliable ballistic protection without shifting, folding, absorbing sweat, or slipping during rigorous use.
Operational Compatibility:
Seamlessly integrates with standard communication headsets, eyewear, and other helmet-mounted accessories without reducing usability or performance. Indeed, it works well as a counterweight.
The NovaSteel Lobster-Tail reliably surpasses ballistic performance criteria established by ACH and VPAM-3 standards, consistently demonstrating minimal backface deformation (BFD), exceptional edge-impact resilience, and reliable performance in high-temperature conditions exceeding 168°F.
Simply put, the NovaSteel Ballistic Lobster-Tail offers adaptable, evidence-based protection precisely where it matters most — ensuring uncompromised effectiveness in diverse tactical situations.
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Ballistic Helmet Tail – Modular Helmet Accessory
An articulating, multi-segmented armor module specifically engineered to enhance ballistic protection of the rear head and neck region on the NovaSteel ballistic helmet. Provides critical protection from fragmentation, handgun projectiles, and blunt-force trauma.
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ACH & ACH-Gen II Helmet Specification
The NovaSteel Lobster-Tail comfortably exceeds ACH and ACH Gen II performance standards, reliably stopping threats including 9mm FMJ projectiles at velocities over 1400 fps. Blunt impact resistance and backface deformation results consistently outperform military specifications.
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VPAM-3 Helmet Specification
Although no VPAM-specific protocol exists for rear-mounted helmet attachments, the NovaSteel Lobster-Tail closely aligns with VPAM-3 requirements. It demonstrates robust ballistic protection, minimal BFD, superior edge-impact performance, and exceptional durability even at elevated temperatures (168°F and beyond).
