Today, I’m on assignment in Ohio at the ArmorSource factory. I’ve been here once before and I’ve got to tell you, it’s one of the cleanest factories I’ve ever seen. You can really feel the pride in what they do. And today, they’ve definitely got something to crow about. ArmorSource has literally just announced a major contract award from the Army. On hand is Sen Rob Portman (R-OH).
The LW ACH is in the center, surrounded by other ArmorSource helmets including boltless models and the Kryptek dipped rifle helmet.
There is a lot of win today. With this contract, the Army is capitalizing on the work accomplished on the Enhanced Combat Helmet by purchasing a lightweight version of the ACH. The standard ACH size Large has a max weight of 3.31 lbs. the new Lightweight version has a max weight of 3.05 lbs but ArmorSource’s version is coming in below that. That’s going to be great since we continue to mount equipment on the Soldier’s head. The LW ACH is not only lighter than the existing ACH, it also continues to provide the same level of protection. Additionally, ArmorSource is hiring 250 people to make these helmets for our troops. Improved protection for our men and women in uniform and American jobs. What could be better?
ArmorSource, LLC (ArmorSource) today announced its award for the first delivery order of the Lightweight, Advanced Combat Helmet (LW ACH). The award is a two-year, $92,681,250 fixed price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The award marks a significant step in the Army’s efforts to lighten the soldier’s load, as this award will provide soldiers with the Army’s lightest helmet yet.
Ballistic Lab Manager John Stenson briefs Sen Portman on ArmorSource’s in-house testing capabilities.
The LW ACH, or AS-505, is the latest result of cooperation between industry and the Department of Defense (DoD) to best serve the men and women of our Armed Forces. By reducing the weight of the current Advanced Combat Helmet by four ounces, the LW ACH provides superior protection while alleviating the extreme weight burden soldiers must sustain on their head and neck. This critical piece of equipment will both better serve our men and women in uniform, and improve their operational readiness.
“We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this LW ACH order,” said Yoav Kapah, CEO, ArmorSource. “This helmet is a significant step forward for our soldiers. It provides improved ballistic head protection while reducing the overall soldier load. We take great pride in supporting our troops, and we’re honored that ArmorSource has been selected to partner with the DoD on this initiative.”
As the largest ballistic helmet manufacturer in the United States, ArmorSource’s state-of-the-art 120,000 square foot facility allows the Company an output capacity of over 500,000 helmets per year, and a strict on-time delivery history. To fulfill the LW ACH award on time, ArmorSource anticipates hiring up to 250 individuals in 2014.
Following a tour of the ArmorSource facility today, Senator Rob Portman, R-OH, said, “I couldn’t be more proud that helmets made by skilled, Ohio manufacturing will protect our men and women in uniform. I’m pleased that the Defense Department finally moved forward with this acquisition – our soldiers in the field need it. While we’ll see 250 new jobs here, our soldiers will be getting an advanced helmet that is lighter and keeps them protected on the battlefield.”
The initial LW ACH award will ship from ArmorSource to the Defense Logistics Agency for on-going sustainment of the U.S. Army starting in the third quarter of calendar year 2014.
