SA Army M87 S.A.P.H.I. Kevlar Helmet with Camouflage Cover

THE M87 IS AN ICONIC COMBAT HELMET OF SOUTH AFRICAN ORIGIN MANUFACTURED BY SOUTH AFRICAN PITH HELMET INDUSTRIES (S.A.P.H.I) OF ROSSLYN. THE FIRST ADOPTED  KEVLAR COMPOSITE M87 REPLACED THE STEEL M63 HELMET DURING THE LATE 1980S, AND SAW EXTENSIVE USE DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER WAR, WHICH TOOK PLACE FROM 1966 TO 1989 IN SOUTH-WEST AFRICA (NAMIBIA) AND ANGOLA. IT IS THE CURRENT STANDARD HELMET OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE. THIS HELMET HAS AMAZING PROTECTIVE BALLISTIC PROPERTIES SEE VIDEO ON NET.
 
The shell of the M87 helmet is made of a single piece. It is manufactured based on Kevlar fibers coated with resin, that is arranged in a mold at high pressure to give it its final shape.
The shape of the helmet M87 reminds undoubtedly the US PASGT helmet, but the forms are more rounded than its US counterpart.
The edge of the helmet is softened by a black rubber rim, reaching to the back, stuck to the same edge of the helmet.
Then it is holed nine times:
- 6 holes for the cover, fixed by screws and retaining plates: suspension type "Riddel" .
- 3 hole jugular, similarly fixed to the cap.
The shell is then painted brown earth (except rubber, cane) so textured to avoid glare.
 
FROM THE WEB:
Since the Mark II helmet, British origin, had to be replaced and at the inability to be provided helmet by foreign countries because of the embargo that gripped the country in the 70s, South Africa manufactured a copy to the helmet model TTA 51 French.
This production was carried out under license from the French model.
From 1975, the South African army was restructuring and the copy of the helmet 51 French model showed its weaknesses while most of the world's armies began to adopt, in general, helmets composite materials.
The first helmet Kevlar adopted by South Africa was the helmet model 83, licensed manufacture of the Israeli headset OR 201 by the company SAPHI Ltd. (South African Pith Helmet Industry Ltd.). This helmet was attributed initially to airborne troops from the country.
But the need for a more suitable for infantry helmet was felt and manufacture of such a helmet was attributed to the same company in charge of construction the M83 helmet.
The result in 1987, a close US helmet PASGT helmet, but with elements of its own, including a three-point chin strap, a less stocky ... etc.
The M87 helmet is still in use Today in the South African army. Note that South Africa has a lot exported this model mainly in the United Arab Emirates, the export does not have manufacturer label version and the jugular only with a buckle Unlike the South African plastic clip.
 
Size: 27cm x 24.5cm RUBBER RIM
 
CONDITION: GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION. PLEASE SEE PHOTOS
 
MARKINGS: SAPHI PTY ROSSLYN
SOME PERSONALISED WRITING SMN GASS
 
SAPHI (SOUTH AFRICAN PITH HELMET INDUSTRIES):
The South African Pith Helmet Industries military headwear manufacturer began business in Pretoria in 1940 making Pith helmets for both the British and South African armies.Saphi (South African Pith Helmet Industries) supplied a range of millinery helmets including berets and military style-baseball caps. They are still in business.
 
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