Soviet Steel Helmets USSR SSh-39, SSh-40, SSh-60 & SSh-68 – Complete History, Engineering Evolution and Collector's Guide
Few pieces of twentieth-century military equipment became as instantly recognizable as the Soviet steel helmet. Across more than four decades, millions of soldiers wore successive generations of helmets that reflected continuous improvements in metallurgy, industrial engineering, battlefield experience, and ergonomic design. From the final years before the Second World War through the Cold War and the mountains of Afghanistan, Soviet steel helmets evolved into one of the longest-serving helmet families in military history.
The evolution from the SSh-39 to the SSh-68 was not a series of random cosmetic changes. Each new model emerged in response to real combat lessons, advances in armor steel production, and changing operational requirements. Every rivet, suspension system, visor angle, and steel composition represented years of engineering work aimed at increasing survivability while maintaining practical mass production for one of the world's largest armed forces.
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The Origins of the Soviet Steel Helmet
The Soviet Union entered the late 1930s with valuable combat experience gained during conflicts that exposed both the strengths and shortcomings of existing protective equipment. Earlier helmet designs provided useful protection but revealed practical limitations in mobility, visibility, and manufacturing efficiency. Military planners increasingly recognized that future warfare demanded a new generation of steel helmets capable of balancing ballistic protection, production simplicity, and soldier comfort.
Engineers carefully studied numerous contemporary foreign helmet designs. Like many nations of the period, Soviet specialists evaluated successful concepts developed abroad while adapting them to domestic industrial capabilities and battlefield requirements. Rather than simply copying any existing model, Soviet designers combined proven geometric principles with original engineering solutions that reflected the realities of Soviet manufacturing and military doctrine.
The result would become one of the most successful helmet development programs of the twentieth century, producing several generations of helmets that remained in service for more than forty years.
The Transition from the SSh-36
The immediate predecessor of the famous wartime helmets was the SSh-36. Although innovative for its time, combat experience soon revealed several weaknesses. Its large projecting visor reduced visibility during certain firing positions, while the wide brim increased aerodynamic drag. Strong winds could catch the helmet, reducing stability and making it uncomfortable during prolonged movement.
Operational experience demonstrated that improvements were needed without sacrificing protection. Soviet engineers therefore began developing an entirely revised helmet that retained effective coverage while presenting a more compact and streamlined profile.
The Birth of the SSh-39
Development of the Steel Helmet Model 1939 (SSh-39) was carried out under the direction of engineer I. I. Yakovlev at Research Institute No. 13 in Leningrad. The project represented a comprehensive redesign focused on improving battlefield practicality rather than merely altering appearance.
One of the most noticeable changes involved the helmet's overall geometry. The brim became more compact, the visor shorter, and the silhouette significantly more balanced. Historians often note that the general dome proportions resemble those found on the Italian M33 helmet, whose efficient ballistic geometry attracted attention from military engineers in several countries. Nevertheless, the SSh-39 was developed as a distinct Soviet design using domestic materials, manufacturing methods, and suspension systems.
Armor Steel: The Foundation of Protection
The true strength of the SSh-39 lay not only in its shape but also in its metallurgy. Soviet engineers introduced a new silicon-manganese alloy armor steel designated 36SGN, later simplified in production to 36SG. Approximately 1.2 millimeters thick, the steel represented a careful balance between hardness and ductility.
Rather than pursuing maximum hardness alone, Soviet metallurgists emphasized toughness. This philosophy allowed the helmet shell to deform under severe impacts instead of fracturing, reducing the likelihood of dangerous secondary fragments generated by the helmet itself. The complete assembled helmet weighed approximately 1.25 kilograms, providing substantial protection while remaining practical for extended wear.
The Famous "Three-Rivet" Construction
Collectors immediately recognize the SSh-39 by its distinctive three-rivet configuration. Two prominent rivets appear on the sides of the upper dome, while a third sits at the rear. These fasteners secured the internal suspension frame rather than serving decorative purposes.
This characteristic arrangement earned the helmet the informal collector nickname "three-rivet," a term still widely used today when identifying original examples.
The First Suspension System
Early SSh-39 helmets employed an internal suspension mounted to a rigid metal band attached to the shell. Initial production featured an eight-finger natural leather liner similar in concept to contemporary European suspension systems. As wartime shortages increasingly affected industrial production, leather became scarce and manufacturers gradually adopted alternative materials, including canvas, treated fabric, and synthetic substitutes.
Although these material changes maintained production volume, the underlying structural concept remained unchanged: a rigid metal support ring carrying the entire liner assembly.
The Winter War Reveals a Critical Problem
The Soviet-Finnish Winter War of 1939–1940 exposed an unexpected but serious weakness in the SSh-39. During operations conducted under extremely low temperatures, soldiers routinely wore thick winter headgear such as the ushanka. Unfortunately, the rigid internal suspension ring left insufficient space inside the helmet to accommodate this additional insulation.
Many servicemen found it impossible to wear the helmet correctly over winter clothing. Field improvisation became common, with some removing or damaging the suspension system in order to fit the steel shell over their hats. While this solved the immediate sizing problem, it eliminated much of the impact absorption provided by the liner, increasing the risk of head injuries from blunt impacts.
Combat reports made it clear that the issue required immediate attention. Rather than redesigning the successful steel shell itself, Soviet engineers concentrated their efforts on creating an entirely new suspension system that would preserve protection while allowing rapid adjustment for seasonal clothing.
The Birth of the Legendary SSh-40
The answer arrived in 1940 with what would become the most iconic Soviet helmet of the Second World War—the SSh-40. Externally, very little changed. Engineers retained the successful ballistic geometry developed for the SSh-39 because battlefield testing confirmed that the shell itself already offered excellent protection.
The revolution occurred inside the helmet, where an entirely new suspension system fundamentally transformed comfort, adjustability, and combat practicality. This seemingly simple redesign would allow the SSh-40 to accompany millions of Soviet soldiers throughout the Second World War and become one of history's most recognizable military helmets.
End of Part One.
The SSh-40: The Helmet That Defined the Red Army
When production of the SSh-40 began in 1940, few could have predicted that it would become one of the most recognizable military helmets ever manufactured. Throughout the Second World War, millions of Soviet servicemen relied on this design across virtually every major front—from the defense of Moscow and the Battle of Stalingrad to Kursk, Berlin, and the final campaigns in Eastern Europe.
The external shell differed very little from its predecessor because the ballistic geometry had already proven highly effective. Instead, Soviet engineers concentrated their efforts on solving the practical problems identified during the Winter War.
The Famous Six-Rivet Configuration
The easiest way to distinguish an SSh-40 from an SSh-39 is by examining the rivets. Instead of three large rivets positioned high on the shell, the SSh-40 featured six smaller rivets arranged lower on each side. Three rivets appeared on the left and three on the right, securing the entirely redesigned suspension assembly.
This arrangement earned the helmet its well-known collector nickname: the "six-rivet." Even today, experienced collectors can often identify an authentic wartime SSh-40 within seconds simply by observing the rivet pattern.
A Revolutionary Suspension System
The greatest improvement introduced with the SSh-40 remained completely invisible from the outside. Engineers abandoned the rigid steel suspension ring that had caused so many problems during the Winter War and replaced it with three independent leatherette or fabric liner pads attached directly to the shell.
Each pad incorporated a cushioned insert filled with soft padding material. A drawstring running through the upper edges allowed the wearer to adjust the fit according to head size and seasonal clothing. By simply loosening the cord, soldiers could comfortably wear the helmet over thick winter hats without sacrificing the protective suspension system.
This seemingly modest engineering change dramatically improved comfort, stability, and impact absorption while greatly simplifying production.
Armor Steel and Ballistic Performance
The SSh-40 continued using approximately 1.2 mm high-strength alloy armor steel produced through Soviet metallurgical processes. Throughout wartime production, manufacturers refined heat treatment and quality control while preserving the balance between hardness and toughness that had become a defining characteristic of Soviet helmet steel.
The complete helmet generally weighed between 1.2 and 1.3 kilograms depending on size. Its primary purpose was to protect against shell fragments, ricochets, falling debris, and secondary battlefield hazards rather than direct rifle fire. Nevertheless, under favorable conditions it could also resist certain handgun projectiles or greatly reduce the severity of otherwise lethal fragment impacts.
Industrial Production During Wartime
The enormous demands of total war required Soviet industry to manufacture helmets on an unprecedented scale. Factories such as the Lysva Metallurgical Plant became central to helmet production, combining steelmaking, shell stamping, heat treatment, painting, liner assembly, and final inspection into highly efficient industrial processes.
Despite evacuation, shortages, and the constant pressure of wartime production, Soviet factories continued supplying millions of helmets throughout the conflict. Manufacturing methods emphasized reliability, interchangeability, and speed while maintaining strict military acceptance standards.
Protective Finishes Against Corrosion
Helmet protection extended beyond the steel itself. Soviet production employed durable protective coatings intended to reduce corrosion during prolonged exposure to rain, snow, mud, and damp trench conditions. Matte protective finishes also minimized unwanted reflections that could reveal a soldier's position under sunlight.
The finish became one of the defining visual characteristics of wartime Soviet helmets and remains an important feature when evaluating surviving originals today.
Field Experience and Continuous Improvement
Combat conditions constantly provided engineers with valuable information. Damage reports returned from frontline units helped designers understand how helmets behaved under fragment impacts, blast effects, rough transportation, and everyday military use. This continuous feedback allowed production improvements without fundamentally altering the successful shell geometry.
The SSh-40 demonstrated remarkable durability under some of the harshest battlefield conditions of the twentieth century. Many surviving examples still display dents and deformation that testify to impacts absorbed during combat while preserving the integrity of the steel shell.
Comparative Ballistic Testing
During the war, Soviet specialists conducted comparative evaluations of various helmet designs, including captured foreign examples. Surviving documentation indicates that engineers closely examined differences in steel composition, shell geometry, and manufacturing methods to improve domestic production.
These studies reinforced an important engineering principle: resistance to impact depended not only on hardness but also on toughness. A helmet capable of deforming without catastrophic cracking could often provide better real-world protection against fragments than one made from harder but more brittle steel.
The Transition to the Cold War
Following the end of the Second World War, the SSh-40 remained in widespread service across the Soviet Armed Forces and numerous allied nations. Although it had proven highly successful in combat, military technology continued to evolve. New communications equipment, mechanized operations, airborne forces, and changing tactical doctrines created fresh requirements for protective equipment.
Rather than replacing the successful helmet entirely, Soviet engineers chose to modernize it through careful refinement. The result would become the SSh-60, a helmet that preserved the proven shell concept while significantly improving comfort, stability, and impact absorption.
The Development of the SSh-60
Introduced in 1960, the SSh-60 represented an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step. At first glance it closely resembled the SSh-40, but nearly every important improvement occurred inside the helmet. The suspension system became more advanced, ventilation improved, and overall stability increased during running, climbing, and other demanding movements.
Collectors often classify the SSh-60 as a "four-rivet" helmet because four rivets positioned higher on the shell secured the suspension assembly, while separate lower fittings attached the chinstrap. This arrangement immediately distinguishes it from the famous wartime six-rivet configuration.
A New Suspension Philosophy
The most significant innovation was the introduction of a four-pad suspension supported by flexible spring-steel mounting elements. Instead of transmitting impact forces directly to the wearer's head, the new system allowed controlled movement between the shell and the suspension.
This design improved ventilation, enhanced comfort during extended wear, and reduced the transmission of blunt-force impacts generated by falling debris or fragment strikes that did not penetrate the helmet.
Adjustment by drawstring remained, allowing rapid adaptation for winter clothing and maintaining compatibility with changing operational requirements.
End of Part Two.
The Birth of the SSh-68
By the late 1960s, advances in ammunition, artillery, and battlefield tactics prompted Soviet engineers to re-evaluate the protective geometry of the long-serving steel helmet. While the SSh-40 and SSh-60 had proven highly successful, research suggested that modifications to the shell profile could further improve the likelihood of deflecting high-velocity fragments striking from the front.
The result was the Steel Helmet Model 1968, better known as the SSh-68. Although it retained the proven steel construction and suspension philosophy of earlier generations, its external silhouette changed noticeably. The dome became taller and more elongated, while the front section received a steeper angle and a shorter outward-turned visor designed to improve fragment deflection.
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A New Generation of Armor Steel
The SSh-68 introduced an improved low-alloy armor steel developed specifically for increased durability and ballistic performance. Production generally utilized steel comparable to grade 38KhSNM, allowing manufacturers to increase protective capability while preserving acceptable weight for prolonged field use.
Depending on size, the complete helmet weighed approximately 1.3 to 1.5 kilograms. Although slightly heavier than earlier models, the improved shell geometry and stronger steel provided better overall protection against battlefield fragments and blunt impacts.
The Improved Shell Profile
The most visible difference between the SSh-68 and its predecessors lies in the shell itself. Engineers increased the frontal angle to improve ricochet characteristics, allowing fragments striking the helmet at shallow angles to glance away rather than transfer their full energy directly into the steel.
The shorter visor also reduced unnecessary projection while maintaining facial protection, creating a cleaner ballistic profile that reflected decades of accumulated combat experience.
Refining the Suspension System
The SSh-68 retained the spring-supported four-pad suspension introduced with the SSh-60, further refining comfort and stability. Flexible mounting points allowed limited movement between the shell and liner, helping absorb impacts while improving airflow during extended wear.
The adjustable drawstring remained an essential feature, allowing soldiers to wear the helmet comfortably over cold-weather headgear or protective equipment when required.
Service During the Cold War
The SSh-68 entered service during a period of profound military modernization. It equipped motor rifle units, armored crews, artillery formations, engineers, communications personnel, and numerous other branches of the Soviet Armed Forces.
For many servicemen who completed compulsory military service during the 1970s and 1980s, the SSh-68 became the defining symbol of the Soviet soldier. It remained standard equipment not only within the USSR but also throughout many allied nations using Soviet military equipment.
The SSh-68 in Afghanistan
The Soviet-Afghan War exposed the helmet to some of the harshest operational environments imaginable. Rocky terrain, extreme temperatures, steep mountain routes, and prolonged patrols tested every aspect of the design.
Veterans' recollections describe numerous practical field adaptations intended to improve comfort. Some soldiers added additional soft padding beneath the liner to achieve a tighter fit during movement across difficult terrain. Such unofficial modifications reflected individual experience rather than official military instructions, demonstrating how equipment was often adapted to local conditions.
The helmet also became an essential part of daily military life beyond combat. Numerous memoirs describe steel helmets being temporarily used for carrying water, washing equipment, or other practical camp tasks when circumstances required. These field improvisations illustrate the rugged durability that made the SSh-68 valued by generations of servicemen.
Helmet Covers and Camouflage
As camouflage technology advanced during the late Cold War, simple painted steel surfaces became less desirable. Fabric helmet covers and camouflage nets gradually became more common, helping reduce reflections, soften the helmet's outline, and better integrate the wearer into surrounding terrain.
By the 1980s these accessories had become a familiar sight in field photographs and operational deployments, particularly during exercises and overseas service.
Factory Markings and Identification
Factory markings remain among the most important authentication features for collectors. One useful identification detail involves the location of production stamps. On the SSh-39, SSh-40, and SSh-60, markings generally appear toward the rear interior of the shell. On the SSh-68, production markings and heat numbers are typically found beneath the front visor.
Collectors also examine manufacturing stamps, acceptance marks, production dates, shell shape, rivet arrangement, paint, liner construction, and chinstrap hardware when determining originality.
The Soviet Size System
Unlike many modern helmets, Soviet steel helmets were manufactured in three official sizes known as rost (growth sizes). These were stamped directly into the shell during production.
First Size (1R) accommodated smaller head circumferences up to approximately 55 cm.
Second Size (2R) represented the most common production size, generally fitting head circumferences between approximately 56 and 58 cm.
Third Size (3R) served larger head sizes of approximately 59 cm and above.
These markings remain an important tool for authenticating original Soviet production and selecting an appropriate fit for collectors and historical reenactors.
Recognizing the Four Major Generations
Despite their similarities, experienced collectors can distinguish each major Soviet steel helmet almost immediately. The SSh-39 is recognized by its three-rivet upper mounting system. The SSh-40 introduced the famous six-rivet arrangement positioned lower on the shell. The SSh-60 adopted four upper suspension rivets together with separate chinstrap fittings, while the SSh-68 combined this four-rivet configuration with its noticeably taller shell and revised frontal geometry.
These visual characteristics allow rapid identification even when original paint or markings have partially worn away over decades of service.
Collecting Soviet Steel Helmets Today
Original Soviet steel helmets have become highly desirable among collectors of twentieth-century military history. Interest extends beyond individual models to complete evolutionary collections illustrating the progression from the SSh-39 through the SSh-68.
Authenticity depends upon preserving original paint, factory markings, liner components, rivets, and chinstraps. Helmets retaining complete untouched interiors are generally more desirable than heavily restored examples, while documented wartime or Cold War provenance can further enhance historical significance.
A Legacy of Engineering
The development of Soviet steel helmets represents nearly half a century of continuous engineering refinement. Rather than abandoning successful concepts, Soviet designers repeatedly improved proven designs through advances in metallurgy, suspension technology, ergonomics, and battlefield experience.
From the three-rivet SSh-39 to the instantly recognizable SSh-68, every generation tells the story of evolving industrial capability and practical military engineering under dramatically changing historical conditions.
Conclusion
The SSh family remains one of the longest-serving and most influential series of steel combat helmets ever produced. Each model reflects the lessons of its era—from the harsh winters that exposed the shortcomings of the SSh-39, to the mass production of the SSh-40 during the Second World War, the ergonomic improvements of the SSh-60, and the modernized ballistic design of the SSh-68.
Today these helmets continue to serve as important historical artifacts preserved in museums, private collections, educational institutions, historical reenactment groups, and film productions. They stand as enduring examples of Soviet engineering, industrial capability, and the constant pursuit of improved battlefield protection.
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