Future Assault Shell Technology helmet
The Ops-Core Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Helmet, also known as the FAST helmet, is a combat helmet used by special operations forces and law enforcement organizations. The FAST helmet series features a distinctive shell shape, with ear cut geometry which extends coverage over the rear occipital bone without load carrier interference, and optimizes weight distribution for increased stability, integration, balance, and comfort. The helmet features various suspension and retention systems, and ARC rails which, similar to picatinny rails, enable users to mount items like helmet lights and cameras. History. It was developed by  the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in collaboration with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center and the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier as part of the Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, which led to the development of other helmets such as the Maritime helmet and the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). The name FAST helmet was coined by a manufacturing company called Ops-Core in 2005. In 2008, Ops-Core showed off their prototype helmet with their Head-Loc™ Helmet Retention System (a.k.a. Head-Loc Retention System) at the 2008 SHOT SHOW convention. The helmet was publicly  revealed in 2009 at the annual SHOT Show. It was issued to U.S. special forces operators deployed in Afghanistan. In 2019, U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Gentex a contract worth $95 million to supply Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut Helmets. Development. Compared to standard combat helmets, the FAST helmet offers up to 25% weight reduction and is notable for its early use of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers (UHMWPE) in its design. It was also designed to allow outside features such as wearing communications headsets which can be attached with rail adapters. Design. The FAST helmet  ranges in weight from about 315 to 1034 g (0.69 to 2.28 lbs). The type of UHMWPE material for the ballistic FAST models provides increased protection against handgun rounds. It can be fitted with a mounting bracket, patented first in 2014, for accessories like night vision goggles and comm headsets, similar to PASGT and MICH. Users can wear it with different communications headsets with ease and comfort. It has different color options, such as foliage green, black, olive green, ranger green, tan 499, urban grey, MultiCam and desert MARPAT. As well as having mesh and cloth helmet covers in varying  camouflage patterns. The FAST RF1 High Cut Helmet System is a rifle rated ballistic helmet at an average of 3.5 lbs (1592 grams) able to protect against rifle rounds like the 7.62×39mm due to the 0.400" (10.16mm) shell thickness. The different color options are black, tan 499, ranger green, urban gray and MultiCam.