Unfortunately, it looks like the deal for Revision to purchase Pacific Safety Products’ headborne system and helmet liner assets for $1,275,000 has been terminated by Revision. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, Revision had the right to terminate if the sale was not completed by July 15, 2010. However, all is not lost. PSP and Revision are continuing talks for a partial sale of PSP’s Headborne System.
Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category
Revision Cancels Purchase of PSP’s Headborne Division
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010PSP and Revision Terminate Arrangement
Friday, June 18th, 2010In a press release issued earlier this week, Pacific Safety Products and Revision announced they have agreed to terminate the arrangement agreement made last month wherein Revision would pay Cdn $0.18 per share for PSP stock. PSP was unable to garner sufficient support among its shareholders to ratify the sale. PSP will reimburse Revision for $150,000 in transaction costs.
However, PSP has announced the sale of its headborne system assets to Revision for $1,275,000. Mr. David Scott, Chief Executive Officer of PSP stated: “The headborne program was established by PSP to develop new protection products for future market opportunities. To date the Company has made advances in the development of products; however, significant further investment is required in order to capitalize on these anticipated market opportunities. Given the state of the industry and the current economic conditions, the Company simply does not have the capital required to continue its headborne R&D program and Revision’s offer provides the Company with the opportunity to monetize this asset.” One example of the technologies developed by PSP is the Tactical Impact Protection System. Their headborne systems division is the crown jewel of PSP and will be a perfect addition to Revision which began their own headborne work over a year ago.
Canadian Sniper Helmet Issues
Monday, June 7th, 2010As many of you know, there is no specific helmet for Canadian Snipers. Instead, many units or individual Snipers themselves have been procuring American Advanced Combat Helmets.
Now is the interesting part. Both the Canadian CG 634 and the American ACH were designed by and are produced by Gallet. However, there is concern on the part of the Canadian Army staff that the ACH will provide lower ballistic protection even though it has been used successfully by US forces since before 2000 and is a newer design than the Canadian helmet. So instead, their plan is to investigate the new Canadian Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet to see if it will be more appropriate for the Sniper role. And this is where it gets even better. The producer of the CVC helmet is Louis Garneau. Louis Garneau makes competitive bicycle racing clothing and helmets. They are not an armor company. But even this course of action will take some time as these helmets haven’t been issued yet to Vehicle Crews let alone Snipers.
In the interim, Snipers are to cease the use of non-issue helmets but Commanders have been authorized by Land Forces Staff to allow Snipers to remove helmets when firing. How magnanimous of them.
New Surefire Helmet Light Mount
Monday, May 31st, 2010
Based on a requirement from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division Surefire recently updated the mount for their popular helmet light. While it sill attaches along the lip of the helmet, the light no longer hangs below edge and can be mounted to the right or left side of the helmet. Additionally, the light can now be rotated along one axis so that the beam no longer has to remain on axis with the head. As we understand it, this is a line change and will be standard for lights in the future but as you can see the mount we looked at is a prototype. These will be available soon.
UNICOR Suspends Helmet Production
Thursday, May 27th, 2010Rep. Chris Carney from Pennsylvania’s office issued a statement that Federal Prison Industries aka UNICOR has ceased production of ballistic helmets and waived right of first refusal for future helmet bids. UNICOR enjoys preferential treatment in contracting for many items purchased by the federal government. In addition to manufacturing the more than 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets recently recalled by the Army, UNICOR currently holds two helmet contracts. One contract with the Army is for 600,000 ACH and the other with the Marines is for 100,000 lightweight ballistic helmets. In both cases helmets have failed to pass first article testing and consequently not a single helmet has been delivered for either contract, both of which are 18 months overdue.
Army Helmet Recall – the Plot Thickens
Thursday, May 27th, 2010Last week we began to hear some rumblings from industry that the Advanced Combat Helmets sold to the Army by ArmorSource were actually produced by sub-contractor UNICOR (federal prison industries). UNICOR has first right of refusal for numerous commodities purchased by the government. For example, try to buy office furniture for a government building without going to UNICOR first. UNICOR is no stranger to manufacturing helmets, nor to making a mess of the deal. Some PASGT Helmets produced by UNICOR between 1980 and 2006 were found to have been incorrectly manufactured with not enough Kevlar. At that time, UNICOR was working as a sub-contractor to produce helmets for Sioux Manufacturing Corporation. So, unfortunately for ArmorSource (formerly known as Rabintex USA), the Army’s statement last week about removing the helmets from service makes it seem that they are under investigation by the Department of Justice. Perhaps they are, but the investigation is being handled by the US Attorney for Eastern Texas which also happens to be near the UNICOR facility in Beaumont, Texas that produced the helmets in question. This makes it seem to be a UNICOR-centric issue and begs the question whether UNICOR has any business manufacturing personal protective equipment for the military.
More on the Recalled Advanced Combat Helmets
Friday, May 21st, 2010In response to our query on the reasoning behind the recall of 44,239 Advanced Combat Helmets produced by ArmorSource LLC (formerly Rabintex USA LLC), PEO-Soldier informed us that after testing a statistical sample of ArmorSource helmets, results showed that they did not meet Army standards for ballistic protection. We found it unusual for a product to be recalled by manufacturer rather than lot number, and PEO-Soldier went on to explain that the testing was specific to ArmorSource. It was conducted in conjunction with an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, and the Army concluded that it was in Soldiers’ best interests to recall all ACHs made by ArmorSource. Thanks to PEO-Soldier for the clarification.
Army Recalls 44,000 Helmets
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
According to a story just published by the Department of Defense, the Army is recalling 44,000 Advanced Combat helmets found to be defective. The ACH is an Army derivative of the MSA Gallet developed Modular integrated Communications Helmet originally fielded to Special Operations Forces beginning in 2001. The defective helmets were manufactured by ArmorSource LLC (formerly Rabintex USA LLC) and represent 4% of the total fielded ACH. However, the Army has ample stocks and foresees no shortfalls. Rabintex is an Israeli armor manufacturer.
New NOD Mount Compatible Light
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Ops-Core has partnered with Princeton Tec to produce the Quad Tactical Head Lamp. The four LED lamp light is waterproof and features interchangeable lens covers to provide white, blue, red, and green light. The light component is produced by Princeton Tec and mounted to an Ops-Core bracket that fits their VAS Shroud. The bracket is also MOLLE compatible and the light can function as a regular headlamp as well.
Revision Offer to Purchase Pacific Safety Products
Friday, May 14th, 2010Pacific Safety Products Inc. announced today that it has received an offer from Revision Eyewear Inc. to purchase all the issued and outstanding shares of PSP at a price of Cdn $0.18 per share in an all-cash transaction. The purchase price represents a premium of 50% over the weighted average trading price of PSP’s common shares on the TSX-V for the 30 trading days prior to March 4, 2010. The sale still requires the approval of PSP’s shareholders.
Revision is a private company with corporate headquarters in Montreal and operational headquarters in Essex Junction, Vermont, USA which develops and delivers purpose-built eye protection solutions for military and tactical clients worldwide.
What makes this so significant is that PSP is an armor manufacturer and this move signals Revision’s desire to move into new areas of the personal protection market.
SOCOM Procuring Wilcox HMRS
Sunday, April 4th, 2010SOCOM has released a tender to purchase 1441, AN/PSH-6 “Helmet Mounted Recording Systems” despite its having an NSN. Type classified in 2008 as the Mission Helmet Recording System, it is a headborne video recording system designed and manufactured by Wilcox Industries.
Designed to record what the wearer sees through his NVG monocle, it is a great way to record details of an operation from the Warrior perspective. Additionally, the system conforms with the helmet’s NVG ratchet strap. The solicitation as well as our earlier article are packed with technical data for those so inclined.
S&S Precision Catalog
Friday, April 2nd, 2010We have written about both S&S Precision as well as V-Lite. Both are excellent companies that offer niche products built to exacting standards, that are not found anywhere else. They have recently merged under the S&S Precision brand but will maintain their distinct web presence for the time being. For the those of you unfamiliar with S&S Precision check out their catalog below. By no means is this the entirety of their offerings. For example, we recently wrote about their Grenade Launcher Holster. Another item to watch is the WeaponLink™; truly revolutionary in design. Look for further information here in the near future of this and other products.
For those interested in purchasing S&S Precision products contact Grey Group Training.
FAST Helmet Added to USAF Parachutist Approved for Use List
Thursday, March 18th, 2010Both the Ops-Core Ballistic and FAST helmets have been added to the US Air Force parachutist approved for use list which details equipment that have been certified for airborne operations. This means that they have passed an evaluation including helmet acceleration testing. Following the 1998 parachute fatality of Pararescueman SrA Sean McDermott, the Air Force has taken extra care to ensure that new air items are meticulously tested prior to approval.
Two caveats have been placed on use of the helmets. First, it cannot be jumped with Night Vision Devices unless criteria in MAJCOM standards are adhered to. Second, nothing may be mounted on the side rails during jumps except O2 mounting straps. Additionally, direction from the Air Staff indicates that the helmets must be properly fitted and MAJCOMs should seek contracted fit training.
A Picture Says a Thousand Words – Part II
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
This one however, says a few more.
Fortunately, Marine Sgt William Bee was uninjured in this close call from a Taliban sniper firing a Dragunov but the sentiment captured here is priceless. Protect yourself.
SOCOM is Looking for a New Helmet
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) has released a pre-solicitation for a “non-commercial, non-developmental Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet, Type I Ballistic System”.
Requirements include “The Type I MICH-BALLISTIC meets or exceeds all of the current MICH helmet requirements with the added benefit of lighter weight and flexible configuration.” Please note the term “flexible”. This is a level of modularity not available on the legacy MICH and screams FAST helmet from Ops-Core or AIRFRAME helmet from Crye Precision although I am sure BAE will have something to throw at this based on their recent work on the Enhanced Combat Helmet combined with Corona.
The pre-solicitation closes 16 March, 2010 with a full and open solicitation to follow later this year.
Manta Strobe from V-lite
Monday, February 1st, 2010It’s been almost a year to the day since we introduced you to V-lite. At this year’s SHOT Show they introduced the Manta Strobe. A lot of work has gone into this piece of equipment. It velcros to the helmet and the chassis is smooth without any sharp edges to catch on equipment, obstacles, or shroud lines. Additionally, the base is slightly curved to follow the profile of the helmet. What’s more, it’s about half the size of an MS-2000. It is both a visible Green light and IR strobe and does not require a filter. Rather, by simultaneously depressing both side buttons the output is changed. Finally, the on/off switch features vibrating feedback to let you know it is on.
We got quite a few requests asking for a better photo of The Manta so here you go.
To order visit VliteUSA.com.
New Ops-Core Buckle
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010Ops-Core has engineered a new buckle for their chinstrap in order to improve the grip while wearing gloves. Additionally, the new design in conjunction with a slight change in how it is attached to the webbing will stop webbing material from preventing the buckle to close.
Basejump Helmet from Ops-Core
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010In order to satisfy users who don’t need all of the capability of the FAST Bump helmet, Ops-Core has developed the Basejump. Manufactured from glass filled nylon the Basejump has the Night Vision mount molded directly into the helmet. Retail is said to be around $180.
New Lightweight Helmet Option from Gentex
Saturday, October 31st, 2009Gentex recently unveiled a new lightweight version of their popular Tactical Ballistic Helmet series. This new TBH III is crafted from a polyethylene product rather than the aramid normally found in the TBH. Inspired by the requirements for the Enhanced Combat Helmet requirements, Gentex decided to offer an alternative helmet. In addition to the new ECH, Gentex also developed a helmet that offers the same ballistic protection as a current ACH, but with a weight savings of over 30% due to the use of PE material.
Additionally, as you can see from the photo, Gentex is experimenting with new cuts to further balance protection with the ability to utilize active hearing protection and communications headsets. Rather than the popular “Gunfighter” cut (still offered by Gentex) step-style cut, this sample has more of a scoop cut around teh front portion of the ears and retains more coverage in the rear.
The new helmet is so new there is no information available on their website yet. Please contact Gentex.
Canada to Develop Urban Camo Pattern
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Canada has decided to develop a unique urban camo pattern called Canadian Urban Environment Pattern (CUEPAT). Ok, makes sense. But not the why and where. That is where it gets weird. We had to take this straight from the tender:
“The Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada – Suffield, (DRDC-S), AB, has a requirement to develop a Canadian Urban Environment Pattern (CUEPAT) based on the unique requirements of Canada’s three major metropolitan areas, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. The current CBR individual protective equipment (IPE) used by the Canadian military is provided in a woodland or desert camouflage. A camouflage suited to the Canadian urban environment is required when the milatary (sic) operates in urban terrain.”
So essentially, Canada’s equivalent of DTRA is seeking a camo pattern based on domestic urban environments. What’s even more curious is that the pattern is specifically for chem-bio gear. One would think that for domestic CBR defense, one would want to blend in with the local population as much as possible, perhaps as first responders or in items that more closely resemble civilian clothing.
However, what makes this even more interesting is that the tender is the Public Works equivalent of a sole source solicitation. The work is being handed over to Guy Cramer and Co at HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp. So how did they get this sole source contract valued at $24,900.00 C$ (GST extra)? Once again we have to look at the tender.
“The Contractor holds the proprietary right to the advanced fractal algorithms and feed back loop technology to develop non-repeating digital camouflage patterns. HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation’s design team of Guy Cramer and Timothy R. O’Neill share copyright on approximately 8,000 digital camouflage patterns. Access to this extensive data base for the purposes of developing a new Canadian urban environment camouflage pattern is critical to the success of the project. All Intellectual Property Rights in the Foreground Information shall belong to the Contractor as soon as they come into existence. There are no alternative sources of supply for this requirement as no other Canadian source exists that has the capability to design and develop digital, non-repeating camouflage patterns using state-of-the-art fractal algorithms and feed back loop technology, with concomitant IP protected access to approximately 8,000 copyrighted patterns that can be used in full support of meeting the requirement.”
That’s right, copyright on over 8,000 patterns! Some other nuggets from the solicitation include that the period of performance will be from contract award until March 31, 2010 but may include follow on work. Interestingly, HyperStealth will be allowed to retain the intellectual property developed under this contract.
So the way this is written, it looks like the Canadian government is paying HyperStealth almost 25 large to do work they have already accomplished and they are giving them six months to do it. In the end, the Canadian government will have an urban camo pattern fine tuned for use in their own major cities and applied only to chemical and biological warfare clothing. Like I said; interesting.
The Mk 7 Helmet, Up Close and Personal
Thursday, October 15th, 2009US manufacturer Wilcox Industries had a brand new British AC900/600 helmet on display at AUSA. The AC900/600 has been designated as the Mk 7 for use as an interim measure while PECOC refines development of an entirely new suite of individual equipment for the British Tommie. You can see from the display the full advantage of the scalloped brim when used with Night Vision Systems. This was one of the driving reasons behind the interim adoption of modified variant of the AC900/600 helmet worn by UKSF on CT role. Wilcox had the helmet due to a recent development effort in support of the MoD. This also demonstrates Wilcox’s excellent capability to integrate seemingly disparate systems into a cohesive capability in rapid order.
Enhanced Protection Individual Comfort
Thursday, October 8th, 2009Team Wendy teased us at both Modern Day Marine and AUSA with their new EPIC technology. They have been keeping it under wraps because it is not yet approved for use by the military. However, Soldier Systems Daily was fortunate enough to be given a sneak peek at the new pad system.
Designed in response to an RFI for enhanced impact protection for the Enhanced Combat Helmet. The current ZAP pad system utilizes 7 pads but the new EPIC system offers 22 pads including a Impact Liner that cradles your noggin and is intended to be permanently attached to the inside of the helmet for enhanced performance. Additionally, there are sizing pads and four oval shaped Ultra Grip TM anti-slip pads to ensure a perfect fit. The comfort pads are provided in four shapes and two thicknesses: 3/16-inch “thin” and 3/8-inch “thick as well as two Sweat Bands (3/16-inch and 3/8-inch thick). The impact liner alone offers the 10 feet per second impact protection required. Testing indicates that the additional fitting pads only enhance the protection afforded to the wearer, up to 40% in hot conditions.
I had the opportunity to try it in an ACH and it definitely offers a great deal of adjustment. When I mounted the Ultra Grip TM pads it was going nowhere on my head. As with the current ZAP pad system, the pads feature wicking and anti-microbial treated fabric.
Team Wendy prepared this video to give you an idea of how the system works.
EPIC is available for sale to Law Enforcement customers but will not be offered to the military until it has been officially tested and approved for use. The ZAP system remains the sole approved helmet pad for use by the US military. We encourage the acquisition to take a serious look at such enhanced technologies as EPIC especially in light of the increased ballistic protection afforded by the developmental Enhanced Combat Helmet.
For more info visit Team Wendy.
Modern Day Marine Round Up
Monday, October 5th, 2009There were a lot of great products at last week’s Modern Day Marine expo at Quantico, Virginia.
Wilcox Industries showed their new interface for the Ops-Core mount.
Speaking of Ops-Core, they debuted several new products available in early 2010. This eye shield was actually developed a couple of years ago but placed on hold while they refined the FAST technology for a military customer. The lens slides up and down on a track located inside the shell. It will replace the front brow pad inside the helmet as a unit and is ready to go awaiting production of the actual clear shield which will be manufactured by Oakley.
The Smith Optics Elite Division crew was on hand.
Australian firm Global Safety Solutions & Management PTY LTD exhibited their new wet weather laminate material. It is used in the current Australian issue foul weather clothing system.
Inert Products, LLC displayed a wide variety of training aids including the M4 “rubber duck” as well as other inert training aids.
Benchmade Knives showed a set of their HK signature knives packed inside a pistol case. The combo pack includes a 20-Tools-in-One mutli-tool, LED light, and Ally knife.
New British Helmet and Armor on Way to Afghanistan
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009According to an article published in Sunday’s edition of the “Daily Mail”, the new Osprey assault armor and Mk 7 helmet have been shipped to Afghanistan for use by the 11th Brigade just beginning a six-month deployment.
This photo published in the “Daily Mail” shows the new helmet’s camouflage cover. It will be interesting to see if this is just a prototype or will see general issue as it forgoes the sewn-in foliage bands found on the cover for the Mk 6 helmet.
News Flash – Military Helmet Designs Contribute To Brain Damage
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009As if we needed a report to tell us that the current helmet design contributes to brain injuries. The current pattern is after all a compromise designed so that a Soldier can breath, smell, hear, and see. All pretty critical capabilities on a battlefield. Based on the cut, it isn’t any big surprise that blast waves enter the helmet. What is interesting is how one protective feature of modern helmets is protecting our troops, it is also putting them at risk to TBI.
The study entitled “Skull Flexure from Blast Waves: A Mechanism for Brain Injury with Implications for Helmet Design” discusses traumatic brain injury [TBI] and how it may be caused by skull flexure from even non-lethal blasts and without actual head impact.
Ultimately, what we are seeing is a similar phenomenon to what we have seen with body armor. Personal protection technology has developed to the point where they protect a Soldier from death in many attacks that would have killed them in previous conflicts. Consequently, we have seen a marked increase in burn, amputation, and brain injuries. These are effects that weren’t considered major requirements, if at all when the current family of PPE was under development.
In particular this report cites the air gap between the Soldier’s head and the inside of his helmet. Once again, with earlier technologies, the helmet shell’s material would not have been sufficient to protect the Soldier from most blasts and the accompanying shrapnel. Current and emerging shell technologies do a much better job at protecting from shrapnel injuries and so TBI is now being found in blast survivors. Unfortunately, the air gap in the helmet protects the wearer from blunt trauma injuries associated with back face deformation of the shell’s ballistic material. The ACH maintains a 1.3-cm gap between helmet and head; in simulations involving a 5-pound bomb exploding 15 feet from a Soldier’s head, blast waves washed into the helmet through this gap. “The helmet acts as a windscoop, so the pressure between the skull and helmet is larger than the blast wave by itself,” study co-author Michael King said. While the ACH’s pads mostly prevented this underwash, they also passed on forces to the skull.
King suggested that the pads’ stiffness could be optimized to “take the best of both worlds; it doesn’t allow the blast in there, and it doesn’t transfer [forces] from the helmet to the head.” He stressed that when making changes to the helmet, preserving its ability to reduce impacts and fend off bullets was paramount. “You’d have to be careful to make sure it doesn’t interfere with what the helmet does very well, which is stopping fragments and bullets,” he said. “The whole idea why there was a big gap between skull and helmet in the first place, is it makes it more likely for the soldier to survive if a bullet hits the helmet.”
