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The Gentex Mask Light Microphone

Monday, September 8th, 2025

Hands-Free Illumination and Clear Communication Built for Mission Success.

In demanding cockpit environments, aircrew can’t afford to compromise on visibility or communication. That’s why Gentex created Mask Light Microphones, fully integrated solutions that combine Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS)-compatible cockpit lighting with high-performance communications in single, streamlined units. Available in both Dynamic and Amplified versions, these systems give aircrew the tools they need to operate effectively in low-light conditions while maintaining clear and effective comms.

The Mask Light Advantage

By integrating a high-intensity white LED directly into the external microphone subassembly and an activation switch into the internal microphone subassembly, the Mask Light delivers reliable, hands-free, supplemental cockpit lighting for map reading, equipment checks, and other tasks without disrupting night vision or compromising safety. The fully integrated design eliminates the need for separate light mounts, reduces snag hazards, and keeps essential functions right where you need them.

Dynamic and Amplified Options for Every Platform

• Mask Light Dynamic Mic (MLDM) – Powered by long-lasting CR2 batteries, this version integrates seamlessly into Gentex oxygen masks that do not draw from aircraft-supplied power, such as the MBU-20/P, MBU-20A/P, andsome HA/LPs. With a four-level brightness adjustment and rugged, Safe-to-Fly construction, the MLDM is built for maximum reliability in both fixed wing and rotary wing operations.

• Mask Light Amplified Mic (MLAM) – Designed for platforms like the F-35 and F/A-18—and fully approved for use by the Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy in all variants of the F-35—this aircraft-powered version integrates into Gentex F-35, MBU-23/P, and someHA/LP oxygen masks. With adjustable brightness, NVIS compatibility, and no batteries required, the MLAM offers continuous mission-ready performance.

Mission-Driven Design

Both models are tested to withstand windblast and ejection seat forces exceeding 600 KEAS, ensuring they remain secure in the most extreme conditions. Built to MIL-STD requirements, protected against environmental threats, and optimized for ease of installation, the Mask Light Microphones deliver an unmatched level of safety, performance, and integration.

For decades, Gentex has equipped the world’s elite aircrew with innovations that enhance mission effectiveness and protect those who serve. The Mask Light Microphones carry that legacy forward, ensuring aircrew have the illumination, clarity, and confidence to succeed in every mission.

Click the following links to learn more

Mask Light Dynamic Mic

Mask Light Amplified Mic

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Press Release | Comments Off on The Gentex Mask Light Microphone

Gentex SideKick ARC Mini Rails for the HGU-56/P

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

Inspired by the Ops-Core Accessory Rail Connector for ballistic ground helmets, the SideKick ARC Mini Rail for rotary wing helmets offer a low-profile attachment point for additional technology, mounting them closer to the helmet, with a lower center of gravity. Additionally, accessories will breakaway at 8 ft/lbs in the event of a crash or snag.

Designed and tested with extensive user input, SideKick ARC Rails are designed to expand the capabilities of your HGU-56/P headborne solution by offering additional low-profile space to attach items like lights.

Mounting them in closer proximity to the center of gravity of the helmet lowers wearer fatigue during extended operations.

Additionally, SideKick ARC Rails are designed to be compatible with the HGU-56/P ABH & RWH style helmets.

Visit shop.gentexcorp.com/sidekick-arc-mini-rail to learn more.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | Comments Off on Gentex SideKick ARC Mini Rails for the HGU-56/P

GA-ASI Acquires Assets of Achates Power, Inc

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 August 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and cutting-edge aerospace technologies, today announced the acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based innovator in advanced engine technology.

The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems and underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing propulsion technologies for its line of unmanned aircraft systems that enhance the performance and sustainability of its aerospace systems.

“We are excited to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into GA-ASI’s portfolio,” said David Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “Their advancements in green technology emission reduction, fuel efficiency and power density align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for airborne platforms.”

Achates Power has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing best-in-class low-emission, fuel-efficient, and high-power-density engines.

“Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations,” said Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power. “We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise.”

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on GA-ASI Acquires Assets of Achates Power, Inc

A Short History of the HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

I first began to see the HGU-56/P rotary wing helmet on Task Force 160 crews in the mid- 90s as it began to replace the Vietnam-era SPH-4 series of flight helmets.

Developed by Gentex and the US Army to support the US Army Air Soldier Program, it offers reduced weight and bulk while maintaining impact protection during extend missions. In fact, over the years, impact protection has only improved thanks to the Energy Attenuating Liner. Coincidentally, the EAL also moves the head slightly forward in the helmet resulting in a 3° field of view increase. Such improvements have also decreased the weight by 50 g from the early helmets.

The helmet includes dual visors with dark outer and clear inner lenses. Recently, Gentex has adopted the ARC rails developed for their ground helmets to the HGU-56/P. Additionally, a new comfort suspension system is on the horizon which will keep this venerable helmet relevant for years to come.

Seen above is the optional mandible which is quite popular with aircrew who must mean out of the aircraft in flight.

To learn more, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/gentex-hgu-56-p-rotary-wing-helmet-system.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | 3 Comments »

Gentex Presents: PURSUIT – The Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

The Gentex PURSUIT Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet provides tactical advantage for aircrew.

The helmet fits over 99% of the anthropometric range with 4 helmet sizes and 3 module sizes for extreme comfort and stability. Additionally, the Optimized Center of Gravity offers increased stability with each configuration to significantly reduce neck injury potential, ensuring optimal comfort and safety during extended use.

This adaptable helmet reduces maintainer touch-time and eliminates the need for aircrew to have multiple helmets due to its configurable design.

PURSUIT’s modular design can now be enhanced with four best-in-class Head Mounted Displays:

• PURSUIT Slick
• Thales Scorpion
• Collins Elbit Vision Systems JHMCS
• Collins Elbit Vision Systems Zero-G HMDS+

The future of headborne protection is here.

Learn More About PURSUIT: Gentex Corporation | Pursuit Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet

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LIFT Airborne Technologies Makes History with AV2 Vendetta – First Fixed-Wing Helmet to Pass USAF’s 600 KEAS Ejection Sled Test

Friday, August 1st, 2025

Six-year development journey leads to a new benchmark in military aviation safety and performance.

LIFT Airborne Technologies is proud to announce a historic breakthrough in aviation head protection with the AV2 Vendetta, the first fixed-wing flight helmet in history to pass the U.S. Air Force’s 600 KEAS ejection sled test — one of the most extreme and demanding milestones in military aviation. The AV2 also successfully completed over 50 additional MIL-STD tests, establishing a new standard for fixed-wing helmet systems. The AV2 Vendetta is the result of a six-year collaboration between LIFT Airborne and the U.S. Air Force through the AFWERX innovation program. Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of modern aircrews, AV2 reimagines the fixed-wing helmet from shell to optics – delivering unmatched safety, comfort, and mission adaptability. “We didn’t set out to make history,” said a LIFT Airborne spokesperson. “We set out to build a helmet worthy of the mission — and the people who wear it.”

AV2 Vendetta: Key Performance Highlights

+ 600 KEAS ejection sled certified — an industry first

+ 21% weight reduction over legacy systems

+ 22% improvement in center-of-gravity, reducing pilot fatigue

+ 2.6° increase in field of view for enhanced situational awareness

Constructed with 12K aerospace-grade carbon fiber, Koroyd®/EPS hybrid impact liner, and a MIL-STD-43511 magnetic visor system

Driven by a shared passion for flight and deep respect for those who serve, LIFT’s team of engineers, aviators, and test pilots embraced every challenge – from concept failures to design overhauls – with the belief that aircrews deserve the best protective gear possible.

The AV2 Vendetta represents more than a helmet. It is the foundation of a new generation of fixed-wing aviation equipment built for today’s flight environments and tomorrow’s missions.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

NSPA Supports Denmark and European Countries in MQ-9B Acquisition and Sustainment

SAN DIEGO – 23 July 2025 – Denmark and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. The purchase includes three Certified Ground Control Stations.

Denmark joins a growing list of European countries that have selected MQ-9B for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in the harsh conditions of the Arctic in support of Denmark and its NATO Allies. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids MQ-9B’s ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Denmark.

MQ-9B recently became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to obtain a Military Type Certificate (MTC) from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

“It’s been a very productive year for our MQ-9B platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “First, we earned MTC and now we’ve added Denmark to the U.K., Belgium, and Poland as MQ-9B customers in Europe. I believe the extensive waters of the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea of the Nordic countries make the MQ-9B a very effective tool for national maritime surveillance and security.”

MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the first and only unmanned system to offer multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and its depths in support of Fleet Operations. MQ-9B can also be fitted with a number of payloads including a maritime surveillance package with a 360-degree maritime radar and/or sonobuoy dispensing pods.

This sale was aided and supported by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and promoting the proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of European nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability while facilitating training and joint operations.

“This procurement demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Denmark in this strategic investment for national maritime surveillance and security,” said Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, NSPA, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Denmark Buys Four MQ-9B SkyGuardians from GA-ASI

XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test

Friday, July 18th, 2025

HIGH DESERT TEST RANGE, Calif. – 16 July 2025 – AFRL’s XQ-67A, a second-generation Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP), successfully demonstrated integration of government reference autonomy during a recent flight test in the California High Desert.

The flight showcased the integration of government-owned autonomy on the XQ-67A, paired with active tactical datalink communications, to enable dynamic mission execution and real-time coordination with both crewed and uncrewed systems. The event marked a major milestone in advancing scalable, modular autonomy and seamless interoperable crewed-uncrewed teaming (C/U-T).

GA-ASI unmanned jets include (top to bottom) MQ-20 Avenger®, XQ-67A and YFQ-42A.

“This successful test underscores the Department’s commitment to fielding autonomous systems that can integrate into joint operations using existing tactical networks,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). “Government owned autonomy on the XQ-67A is a concrete step toward deployable, combat-relevant autonomy that works with and alongside crewed platforms.”

During the flight, the XQ-67A executed test points to validate the integration of mission systems on the aircraft, including autonomy, mission computing, networking, power and thermal management, and datalinks. Through a tactical datalink, the aircraft received real-time updates and situational data, giving it the ability to coordinate seamlessly with crewed aircraft and other autonomous systems in the future.

The XQ-67A platform, built by GA-ASI under contract with AFRL, plays a critical role in exploring the platform sharing approach to achieving scalable affordable mass. Its performance in this flight test advances the Air Force’s vision for an integrated autonomous force that can support and augment current and future crewed platforms.

The successful demonstration in the high desert highlights the promise of combining government-owned autonomy with proven tactical communications infrastructure. This approach accelerates technology transition and supports AFRL learning objectives regarding the integration of mission systems within the context of the highly relevant XQ-67A testbed.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on XQ-67A Demonstrates Autonomy and Datalink Interoperability During High Desert Flight Test