The Mk 6 helmet was the standard combat helmet of the British Armed Forces. The Mk 6 replaced the Mk III helmet in service from 1986 and is designed to accept modern ear protection, personal radios, and respirators. The helmet is manufactured by NP Aerospace, and is reported to have an "almost unlimited service life" by the manufacturer. The Mk 6 is often mistakenly thought to be made out of Kevlar when in fact it is constructed of "Ballistic Nylon" - nylon fibre. From June 2009 the helmet was replaced by the Mk 7 helmet.