Comparative ballistic analysis of cold war-era eastern european steel and composite military helmetsHauck, Albert (Avtor) Pecanac, Milan (Avtor) Djukic, Vukota (Avtor) Zabunov, Ivan (Avtor) Rackov, Milan (Avtor) Barczewski, Mateusz (Avtor) Marceta Kaninski, Milica P. (Avtor) Erceg, Tamara (Avtor) Baloš, Sebastian (Avtor) Klobčar, Damjan (Avtor) cold war military helmetsteel and composite helmetballistic protectionmaterial characterizationThis research presents the first comprehensive comparative evaluation of Eastern European steel military helmets from the four decades of the Cold War (1950 s–1990 s) against a modern Kevlar-based composite benchmark. Through rigorous ballistic, mechanical, and metallographic testing of models fabricated from different steel types, the study generates specific insight into the relationship between helmet structure and ballistic protection achieved by these nations. Addressing a significant gap in academic and military literature, this multidisciplinary analysis offers a direct comparison of historical protective equipment against modern standards, using the commercial availability of these Cold War helmets as a critical research strength. The results indicate that a well-designed steel helmet can offer ballistic protection comparable to that of composite helmets against handgun calibers, while maintaining similar weight characteristics. Furthermore, steel helmets demonstrate greater long-term cost efficiency due to their extended service life and reduced replacement frequency. This paper critically examines the trade-offs among ballistic resistance, longevity, and affordability, ultimately assessing the continued durability of optimized steel helmets as a competitive and cost-effective solution in contemporary protective systems.20262026-06-16 10:17:28Članek v reviji183616UDK: 620.17:623.445.2ISSN pri članku: 1350-6307DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2026.111112COBISS_ID: 281594883sl