A ballistic mask is part of a military uniform that protects the face and head from damage. She's bulletproof. Such masks gained popularity in the 1980s and have not lost their relevance until now. They will be discussed in the article.
general information
This is a design used by the military to protect the face and head. Ballistic equipment is mandatory in Taiwan. In the country, it is worn by local police special forces. For example, the Bolle ballistic mask is designed for extreme situations. Its feature is that the product has high-quality lenses with a scratch-resistant anti-fog coating. The frame has ventilation holes. The mask is resistant to high temperatures. Combined with many helmet models .
They make ballistic equipment from a relatively light material manufactured by DuPont Kevlar. Its weight reaches a thousand grams. Given the capabilities of the mask, it is not critical, designed for trained military personnel. It is not worth using military equipment for other purposes. The reason is not only the high price, but also the design features. A ballistic product, despite its frightening design, is capable of delivering significant discomfort. It is difficult to breathe and move an unprepared person, especially if there are lung diseases and visual impairment.
What does it look like
The standard black design completely covers the face of the military. There are eye holes. Playerunknown's Battlegrounds ballistic mask is designed to intimidate the enemy. It also protects the face, minimizing injuries from splinters, bullets and bumps. The mask has straps that fix it on the head. She does not completely cover her head, but only her face. They usually wear it over a black balaclava. It is used as special forces equipment for special operations, the release of hostages, during hostilities or policing.
What is it for?
Ballistic mask designed to protect a soldier from a bullet wound in the face and head. The product is not afraid of most bullets of a caliber from nine to twelve millimeters. The mask withstands hit from an OSV-96 sniper rifle from a distance of five hundred meters. They make equipment from special material coated with a special composition. Thanks to him, the mask withstands high humidity and other influences.
Features
Ballistic special forces mask has some technical and functional features. They are listed below:
- Visibility. It provides excellent visibility, does not limit visibility, and does not interfere with the military during operations. A mask cannot be worn on the glasses.
- Aiming. The design allows aiming using external devices. In order to find the target, you need to change the angle of the head, the point of abutment of the weapon in the shoulder. Compared to a gas mask, this mask is comfortable. It does not interfere with breathing, but it can cause psychological discomfort.
- Convenience. During use does not bring much inconvenience. If you sharply turn your head, the inertia increases. The ballistic mask is ergonomic, therefore it protects against penetration of the bullet from the front side, without causing significant discomfort. Inside the mask there are lining: two on the frontal zone, two in the cheeks. The product has six elastic straps with which you can adjust it to the structural features of the head and face.
- Appearance. The mask not only protects the head and face, but also produces a terrifying effect on the enemy. It is almost impossible to see a face through thermal imagers.
Pros and cons
Ballistic mask has its advantages and disadvantages. Its advantages include the following parameters:
- Material. The high strength of the protective masks depends on their design and material. Products made from Kevlar are mandatory equipment of special forces from different countries. Kevlar is a para-aramid high-strength fiber. By its properties, the material is stronger than steel. The design of it reliably protects the face of the military from fragments and all bullets (the exception is the Magnum weapon).
- Design. Its frightening appearance has a psychological effect on the enemy.
- Strength. Withstands shock of great strength, protects the face from shrapnel wounds, injuries, injuries. Minimizes damage from bullets.
The disadvantages of a ballistic product include: breathing difficulties that occur during movement, smoke. At high physical exertion, the mask prevents the penetration of oxygen. A lot of weight (about one kilogram) becomes a significant barrier to communication. In addition, the design is quite expensive.
Reviews
Reliable or not ballistic mask? Reviews of those who had to use this equipment or conduct testing (despite the characteristics, functionality and durable material) were divided. Most still believe that the design is useless. It is good as a deterrent, but it will not save even small caliber from bullets. The disadvantages are that the openings for the eyes do not have glass, the vision is limited, the mask does not completely protect the head, and breathing difficulties occur.
The equipment minimizes damage and injuries, when a bullet hits, it protects the skull, but does not exclude concussion and loss of consciousness. The mask is not a protection against smoke, therefore ingestion of caustic smoke can cause deterioration of well-being and affect the activity of the military. Despite the disadvantages, this design is used in the armies of many countries quite successfully.