The Type 66 helmet is a Cold War era combat helmet introduced in the 1960s and issued to the Japan Self-Defense Forces. It was developed as Japan’s postwar standard helmet, replacing earlier American supplied equipment and establishing a domestically produced design.

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Constructed from steel, the Type 66 features a shape closely influenced by the U.S. M1 helmet, with a rounded profile and flared sides that provide solid coverage against fragmentation and debris. Unlike the two piece M1 system, however, the Type 66 is a single shell design paired with an internal liner and suspension system for comfort and stability.

The helmet is typically finished in an olive drab color and can be fitted with covers or netting depending on use. Its simple and robust construction made it reliable for field conditions, while the liner and chinstrap system ensured a secure fit during extended wear.