OR-201

The OR-201, also designated Kasda OR-201 Model 76 or M-76 for short, is a combat helmet of Israeli origin. Developed in the 1970s, the OR-201 was one of the world's first ballistic helmets. It was subsequently exported on a large scale and has been used by many militaries worldwide. The OR-201 helmet was developed in the early 1970s by the Israeli private firm Orlite Engineering Company (now Orlite Industries Ltd) of Ness Ziona near Tel-Aviv, and is the direct result of experience acquired with the steel types – the British Brodie helmet Mark II/Mark III, RAC Mk II modified helmet with chin web jump harness (used by paratroopers and similar to the HSAT Mk II/Mk III paratrooper helmets), US M1 helmet, and French Modèle 1951 helmet – previously worn by Israeli infantry and airborne troops from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s and early 1980s. The prototype presented in 1976 by Orlite consisted of one-piece, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) round shell 8mm thick, made of fiberglass fibers placed in an ethyl cellulose resin under high pressure. It had a black rubber rim-band 10mm thick and seven metal rivets – one placed at the front, four at the sides, and two at the back – to secure a helmet liner of "cradle" type. As the name implies, it consists of three 25mm Khaki-green synthetic fabric crossed straps attached to a very light tan head-band (or sweat-band) that is fitted within a cushion of four inner black high-density neoprene foam pads – two side, one front, and one rear – that help to secure the helmet in the wearer's head, while providing an impact- and shock-absorbing capability. The liner suspension is adjustable from medium to large using a metal buckle in the rear. Copied after the HSAT Mk II paratrooper helmet harness, the chin-strap system is fitted directly to the helmet shell at three points by rectangular metal rings; made of 20mm Khaki-green synthetic canvas web, the harness is equipped with two metal friction buckles at the chin-straps and is reinforced by an integral tan leather chin-cup. With a weight of 1.