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AV2.2 Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) Testing Update

Monday, March 24th, 2025

LIFT Airborne Technologies, in collaboration with the Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/ROU), has successfully conducted over fifty-three (53) Performance Specification (P-Spec) environmental test events, windblast test events, and ejection sled test events on the AV2.2 NGFWH under the current Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract.

The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant and the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) Modification Adapter Kit have undergone windblast testing at two seat angles: 17 degrees (representing aircraft such as the F-15, A-10, and F-22) and 32 degrees (representing the F-16). Testing at various speeds included 325 Knots Equivalent Airspeed (KEAS), 450 KEAS, and 600 KEAS for the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant, while the AV2.2 NGFWH with JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit was tested at 450 KEAS.

The successful performance enabled progression to ejection sled testing.

Subsequently, The AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant has successfully completed ejection sled testing at 450 KEAS and 600 KEAS, conducted at both 17-degree and 32-degree seat angles. Additionally, the AV2.2 NGFWH equipped with the JHMCS Modification Adapter Kit underwent testing at 450 KEAS at both seat angles. The results from these tests were satisfactory, with both configurations meeting the P-Spec requirements.

The AV2.2 NGFWH is currently operational in various aircraft worldwide, including the latest addition to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) fleet, the OA-1K Sky Warden. Aircrew operating the OA-1K Sky Warden are enthusiastic about the advanced capabilities of the AV2.2 NGFWH helmet system.

Having met all the requirements outlined in the P-Spec, the AV2.2 NGFWH Slick Variant now enables LIFT Airborne Technologies and the Human Systems Program Office to collaborate on advancing the program to the Milestone C Acquisition Phase and working towards a production contract.

For Department of Defense users seeking testing data regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please contact Samantha McKee, NGFWH Contracting Officer at AFLCMC/ROU, at samantha.mckee.1@us.af.mil.

For international users seeking testing data, please contact your respective government officials to request the testing data from the United States Air Force.

For any further inquiries regarding the AV2.2 NGFWH, please reach out to Chris Kitts, Director of Military Programs at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at chris.k@liftairborne.com or Todd Lentz, Chief Revenue Officer at LIFT Airborne Technologies, at todd.l@liftairborne.com.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on AV2.2 Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) Testing Update

See the Gentex Next Generation Fighter Helmet at the Avalon Airshow

Monday, March 17th, 2025

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets, International, Tradeshow | Comments Off on See the Gentex Next Generation Fighter Helmet at the Avalon Airshow

The Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Monday, March 10th, 2025

Lighter. Stronger. Built for every mission.

As the world-leading provider of advanced headborne protection, Gentex understands that helmets are more than just equipment—they are essential to mission success and directly impact aircrew comfort, focus, and long-term health. For decades, the Gentex HGU-55/P and HGU-68/P have provided reliable protection for aircrew operating in demanding environments, but as mission requirements have grown so has the burden on aircrew who were forced to adapt to the added weight from the incorporation of night vision goggles (NVGs) and helmet mounted displays (HMDs). As a result, aircrew have endured increased neck strain and discomfort and have often required multiple helmets to meet an expanding set of mission requirements. Now Gentex delivers the next generation of advanced headborne protection: the PURSUIT helmet reduces weight, enhances comfort, and eliminates compromises, ensuring aircrew are equipped for today’s missions and ready for the future.

The PURSUIT Advantage
Lightweight, adaptable, and mission-ready, the PURSUIT helmet delivers unmatched comfort and performance in a single, modular system thatprovides aircrew the ability to adapt to various mission requirements without sacrificing protection or performance and eliminates the need for multiple helmets, which means reduced cost, less gear to manage, and increased aircrew readiness and combat effectiveness.

Designed for Endurance, Comfort, and Performance
The PURSUIT helmet’s advanced, lightweight carbon shell reduces neck and spine strain, significantly lowering the risk of short and long-term injuries from prolonged missions and high-G maneuvers. The enhanced ventilation system prevents heat buildup, and fire-resistant, moisture-wicking, high-performance comfort pads increase aircrew comfort and mission readiness during long-duration flights. The PURSUIT helmet’soptimized balance and center of gravity, as well as its enhanced nape design, provide aircrew with a secure, stable fit that keeps the helmet in place during dynamic maneuvering in all HMD/NVG configurations. With four helmet sizes, the PURSUIT helmet delivers an optimal, out-of-the-box fit for more than 99% of aircrew, ensuring exceptional comfort and performance.

Mission-Ready and Future-Proof
The PURSUIT helmet isn’t just built for today—it’s engineered for the future. Fully compliant with USN and USAF performance standards, the PURSUIT helmet is designed with future warfighting requirements in mind. Gentex’s Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) in our helmet system design allows for the seamless integration of current and future HMDs, as well as advanced communications systems and optical and respiratory protection, to provide adaptability, aircrew safety, and warfighting capability for decades to come.

For more than 75 years, Gentex has set the standard in aircrew protection, delivering combat-proven innovation to those who serve. The PURSUIT™ next generation fixed wing helmet isn’t just a helmet—it’s a tactical advantage.

Designed For Comfort. Built For Performance.

Gentex Corporation Awarded Navy OTA for Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet Program

Learn more about the PURSUIT helmet

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on The Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Schuberth – Accessories for the M100 Ballistic Helmet

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

During last week’s Enforce Tac show in Nürnberg, Germany, head protection specialist SCHUBERTH GmbH from Magdeburg showed new accessories for its M100 ballistic helmet consisting of a new ballistic mandible with an improved protection level and a modular battery pack.

Milad Youkhanna, Head of Military & Law Enforcement, explains: “When working on our new battery pack, we had the current challenges and the above-average functionality of the M100 helmet in mind. In conjunction with the SCHUBERTH Extended Connection Devices (ECD), already successfully in use with our customers, the goal is to further improve the helmet-borne energy supply. Thanks to its flexible design, the battery pack can accommodate a wide variety of power sources and is therefore not only compatible with the existing systems, but also ready for the battery technology to be integrated in the future. If the power supply is integrated directly into the NVG mounted on the front of the helmet, the battery pack can also be used to hold the various counterweights, which would otherwise have no function.”

The new mandible extends the ballistic coverage of the M100 with an above-average protection. The model presented last year with a combined protection level of NIJ IIIA and VPAM 2, respectively a V50 value according to STANAG 2920 of over 700 m/s, is followed by the new VPAM 3 level mandible. The new mandible is also compatible with the lightweight fragmentation protection visor and thus provides complete coverage of the face. In addition, the VPAM 3 Mandible can also be combined with a ballistic visor of the same protection class.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Helmets | Comments Off on Schuberth – Accessories for the M100 Ballistic Helmet

New Helmet Bags from WARQ and Defilade

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Here are two new helmet bags from WARQ and Defilade. They offer the same features:

– Four-way latch down mesh for a secure fit

– Clamshell design for quick access and a large opening

– Two carry handles and removable shoulder strap

– Protective foam liner

– Folds flat for easy storage or transport when not in use

– Available in Tan or Black

WARQ Helmet Bag fits WARQ Pro Helmet, Ballistic Helmets and Bump Helmets.

warqhelmets.com/helmet-bag

The DEFILADE Helmet Bag fits Riot / Public Order Helmets.

defiladeps.com/helmet-bag

Posted in Helmets | Comments Off on New Helmet Bags from WARQ and Defilade

Visit Ops-Core at Enforce Tac

Thursday, February 20th, 2025

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, Helmets | Comments Off on Visit Ops-Core at Enforce Tac

Galvion Announces the Receipt of Middle Eastern Orders for 35,000 Helmets, at IDEX 2025

Monday, February 17th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is excited to announce the receipt of several recent orders from the Middle Eastern region for a total of 35,000 Baltskin® helmet systems. This announcement coincides with the IDEX exhibition taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17-21 February 2025. At the event, Galvion will be exhibiting at booth 14-C31.

The 35,000 head systems ordered are split between two of Galvion’s Batlskin® helmet platforms: the Baltskin VIPER® and Baltskin PDxT™ variants. Galvion’s PDxT geometry was recently introduced to their commercial helmet portfolio under the name Batlskin Hellbender™. Galvion is unable to disclose specific details related to all orders received, however a trusted regional partner of Galvion’s is amongst the most recent customers that has placed orders for over 100,000 helmets in the last 10 years for use by Armed Forces and security services in the region.

Galvion’s Batlskin VIPER® A1 Special Edition is a high-cut ACH shaped aramid helmet. The Special Edition system was specifically developed for a regional customer in coyote brown, with a custom camo helmet cover and a bespoke helmet bag. Elsewhere in the region, further orders were received for Galvion’s Batlskin PDxT™ helmet. The PDxT platform is battle-proven, with multiple variants in service across international helmet programs. The unique geometry features an ACH- front with smooth ear transition and a ridged back, offering structural rigidity, increased rear ballistic protection and improved impact protection. Both helmet systems on order feature Galvion’s customizable, comfort-fit Modular Suspension System (MSS). The MSS retention system is designed to maximize comfort, stability, air circulation, and protection during long periods of wear.

Alex Hooper, Vice President Strategic Markets at Galvion, said: “Galvion has a long history of supporting our Middle East customers, and we have developed a series of trusted partnerships in the region over many years. These most recent orders are a testament to our successful relationships in the area, and further evidence of Galvion’s global position as the head system provider of choice.” Hooper added: “We’re excited to be able to make this announcement at IDEX, where we are exhibiting the full breadth of our capabilities. This includes our portfolio of head systems, as well as our expanded Nerv Centr® power and data management solutions, which are ideally suited to remote and austere environments with low power availability. We see a significant opportunity for military clients in the region to benefit from our advanced, integrated soldier systems, and we look forward to further supporting our allied Armed Forces across the Middle East.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion Announces the Receipt of Middle Eastern Orders for 35,000 Helmets, at IDEX 2025

4D Tactical SOF Cap Now Available in Woodland Camo

Thursday, January 30th, 2025

Unveiled during last week’s SHOT Show, the Woodland version of the 4D Tactical SOF Cap has all of the same great features.

It utilizes Galvion’s BATLSKIN fitband system, which is found in their Caiman Helmet product line. Additionally, the SOF Cap is fully compatible with all versions of TNVC’s MOHAWK Extended run battery pack, counterweight, storage, and cable management system.

The SOF Cap allows for a wide range of head sizes, rapid adjustment, and secure operation without the need for an additional retention system. It also incorporates our Secure TETHER System and our low-profile VAS shroud. The SOF Cap is ball cap comfortable and can be worn for extended mission durations without any pain or discomfort. Although the SOF Cap allows for the use of counterweights and extended-run battery packs, they are not required for normal operation.

4dtactical.com/products-1/ols/products/4d-tactical-sof-cap/v/P%2FN%207-4038-M81

-Eric Graves

Editor

Posted in Helmets, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »