Addendum: The SSSh-94 Sphere-S
Based on the earlier titanium plated siege/assault helmet design, the Russians produced a steel plate version adopted for MVD use in 1994. The steel version used the same system of heavy plates inserted in a nylon cap with side pockets and one plate over the top which is laced in. The steel version, using armor steel alloy rather than the more expensive and harder to work titanium, seems to have approximately the same ballistic protective characteristics. The photos included below show the precise similarity of design between the titanium and steel versions. The designation "S" with the name "sphere" simply stands for stal (steel). The weight of the helmet is about the same as the titanium version, and the gauge of the plates is also about the same, evidently indicating that a greatly enhanced variety of armor steel (termed Ts-86) was perfected for use with this helmet. Like the titanium helmet, the "S" model is not designed for sustained wear. The balance is nearly the same as the titanium and the padded liner is also one-size-fits-all (from 56 to 60 cm). The weight is 3.5 kilos. The helmet is provided with woodland, leaf, and snow covers and a carrying bag.
Included with the helmet is the "passport," or warranty, issued by the factory, with all inspections initialed by the same person. Note that this particular helmet was issued in December of 2000. It is most likely that this helmet has supplanted the titanium version due to lower production costs. Photographic evidence, including that from the recent Moscow theater assault, indicates that the "Sphere" design is still in use in a wide variety of situations. Protective data indicates that the helmet is effective primarily against pistol rounds and at a distance of at least one meter.
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