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Gentex Corporation Launches the Next Generation Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet System: Setting a New Standard in Lightweight Ballistic Performance

Monday, May 5th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, May 5, 2025 – Gentex Corporation announced at SOF Week in Tampa, FL the public release of its next-generation Ops-Core® FAST® SF Helmet System. A global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, Gentex first introduced the FAST SF helmet in 2017, setting the standard for lightweight, comfort, stability, and protection. Adopted as the USSOCOM FTHS helmet system, it quickly became the choice of top-tier customers worldwide. This latest version establishes a new benchmark for lightweight ballistic protection, delivering exceptional performance and enhanced comfort for the most elite SOF and LE forces.

The new FAST SF Helmet System incorporates majoradvancements through three innovative sub-systems:

• Lighter System Weight: This system achieves the same ballistic performance as the legacy FAST SF helmet systemwhile reducing system weight by 10-15% (depending on size). The new ballistic shell boasts a thinner, lighter design for enhanced wearability. The reduced weight has users questioning the need for a separate bump helmet.

• Universal LockDownTM Liner System: A universal suspension solution backward compatible with all FAST Helmet Systems that enhances comfort, airflow, and stability for heavy VAS and NVG setups. Featuring LockDown Fit Shims and a Cable Occ-Dial® with a conformal nape pad, this liner ensures a secure, customizable fit for any head shape, eliminating interference with communications headbands and delivering unmatched performance in the most demanding conditions.

• Versatile Head-Loc® Flex Retention System: Featuring a convertible chin cup design, the Head-Loc Flex retention system can be worn over or under the chin, offering unprecedented user flexibility. Optimized buckles and sliders improve usability and eliminate the need for mask extenders in most cases. The patented Ops-Core Head-Loc sliders continue to offer market leading one handed adjustment.

“These advancements represent a significant step forward in functionality and comfort for the end user,” said Peter Harbeck, SOF Segment Director at Gentex Corporation. “The FAST SF Helmet System delivers the protection our customers expect while addressing critical needs for weight reduction, fit, and adaptability. With its new liner system, the helmet provides a tailored, secure fit that conforms to the user’s head shape, enhancing stability and long-term wearability in demanding environments.”

Designed with the end-user at its core, the next-generation FAST SF Helmet System represents a significant step forward in headborne protection. This lighter, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective solution underscores Gentex’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge protection for those that demand the absolute best. With the new FAST SF Helmet System, Gentex builds on its position as the exclusive provider of USSOCOM’s FTHS helmet system, delivering unmatchedperformance, uncompromising protection, and a proven track record that elite forces rely on when failure is not an option.

To learn more about the next-generation FAST SF Helmet System, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/introducing-the-fast-sf-next-generation-headborne-system

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release, SOF Week | 2 Comments »

Visit the Ops-Core Team at SOF Select – Booth #10 | Tampa, FL | May 6–8

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Ops-Core is excited to participate in SOF Select, taking place in Tampa, Florida from May 6th to May 8th. Join us at Booth #10 to hear exclusive updates and discover a major new development that represents a significant leap forward in operational capability.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Helmets, SOF Week | No Comments »

Galvion Introduces CORTEX Smart Head System Integration Platform at SOF Week 2025

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is launching their CORTEX™ product category at SOF Week 2025. CORTEX is Galvion’s new category of advanced, intelligent headborne systems that deliver processing, power management and data connectivity, driving next-level Warfighter effectiveness on a digitally enabled battlefield. Combining Galvion’s expertise in hardware and software development and highlighting a foundational commitment to human-centered innovation, CORTEX systems feature intuitive design, intelligent integration and mission-adaptable configurations.

Designed to unify power, data and processing in a modular ecosystem, CORTEX enables real-time decision making at the edge, while maintaining compatibility with existing tactical gear and workflows. The CORTEX system on display at Galvion’s booth (#349) at SOF Week is integrated onto Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmet and features a powerful compute module with internal battery and purpose-built android-based operating system; integrated accessory network for power & data; multiple system communication protocol options (USB, ISW, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi); optional battery module for untethered operations; sensor and emitter pod with open-source architecture for third party integration; low-profile auto-detecting VAS connection for HUDs and NVGs with software-enabled AR; built-in 4-key controller for tactile on-board navigation; as well as additional optional, adaptable capabilities. Using Galvion’s CORTEX system and proprietary AlertCentr™ application, the Warfighter can view critical ATAK data and operate key ATAK functions with a quick button press, eliminating the need to open the EUD, and enabling new levels of situational awareness.

CORTEX components are one-size fits all, with adjustable hardware to fit the full helmet size range and is available for Galvion’s Caiman® and Hellbender™ platforms, as well as select non-Galvion helmet systems. The demonstrated CORTEX system has been developed over multiple years with input and collaboration from Tier 1 customers. Customized versions of Galvion’s integrated systems featuring specifically tailored software and hardware integrations have been delivered to and trialled by undisclosed global customers.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We have collaborated with some of the world’s most elite teams to imagine the future of integrated head systems, and the launch of the CORTEX category marks an exciting milestone in our product and technology evolution. Galvion has been deconstructing and re-designing integrated headborne systems since we entered the market, and the CORTEX system that we are demonstrating here is really just the beginning.” Stirtzinger added:

“This shift from passive protection to next-generation survivable and lethal systems is a step change in capability and digital integration and requires new tools and fast learning. This is precisely why we invested millions of dollars in building our state-of-the-art Warfighter Lab, and it plays a huge part in helping us make the best design decisions for this new category of intelligent, integrated systems. SOF Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce CORTEX to a wider audience and demonstrate how the Warfighter Lab supports these human-machine interface developments.”

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | No Comments »

MDM 25 – Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk High Offset ARC Mount

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

I wanted to give you a look at how the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk light mounts to an Ops-Core ARC Rail using the High Offset ARC Mount.

The issue is that when you mount the light directly to the ARC Rail, you don’t have room for the AMP headset or other mounting adapters.

The High Offset ARC Mount relocated the light above the rail, offering plenty of room for your headset mount yet still making access to the convenient.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Lights, MDM | No Comments »

MDM 25 – MKU Ltd

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Indian armor manufacturer MKU Ltd made their US trade show debut at modern Day Marine. They featured their brand new gunfighter cut helmet built to the new NIJ helmet standard from their Kavro Soldier Protection line.

Posted in Helmets, MDM | No Comments »

Did AFSOC Field A New Helmet? Well, Sort Of….

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

A buddy recently sent me this photo and asked me about this new helmet being worn by AFSOC, inquiring what it was.

I hadn’t seen it before and was intrigued. I put out some feelers and then I tracked the photo down to the Air Force Special Operations Command website, showcasing the Special Operations Forces Medical Skills Development program last October at Hurlburt Field, Florida. There was a whole photo story with these helmets peppered throughout.

It didn’t look like any helmet I had ever seen. Here I am thinking it might be some Air Force Research Lab project, but the truth, it would turn out, reminds me of that old Eddie Murphy comedy sketch, “We’ve got McDonald’s at home.*”

After further investigation, I found that this airsoft helmet (yes, I said airsoft) costs around $150 and goes by several names online, but seems to be manufactured by Avengers Airsoft. Avengers calls it the “Ark” Helmet w/ Integrated Cooling System & Headset. Granted, once you look at more of the photos you realize that they are training with paintball guns and that’s likely why they were purchased. They sort of look like issue helmets and are meant for airsoft. Even the website claims that the helmet is “Designed for Foam Blaster, Nerf, Gel Blaster, Battle Blaster, and low power Airsoft Gaming. ANSI rated full face mask recommended for close quarter / high power Airsoft Gaming.”

However, not only is this helmet not safety certified or approved for use as a ballistic, or even bump helmet, it’s also not Berry compliant. Sure, you can hide behind the micro-purchase exemption for Berry but I’d only use that defense if it were some uber cool European ballistic helmet like the NFM Hjelm, not some ABS bucket. What’s more, they aren’t using the face mask, despite using paintball guns, which kind of defeats the purpose of buying these helmets.

I’m not going to cast aspersions on the person who actually bought these things. I am sure they were well intended and bought what they were told to buy. They look sort of like an approved high cut helmet, but not much. Manufacturers Galvion, Gentex, and Team Wendy all make both ballistic and bump helmet models which are approved for wear and have been procured by the Air Force, and they can be used for sim training and have the appropriate mandibles.

Hopefully, AFSOC will procure some proper helmets for these Airmen soon which are actually certified for sim training. These toys should be crushed and put in the dumpster.

As for the rest of you, this is a cautionary tale. If you’re tasking a GPC holder to buy something for you, be very specific about what you want, even down to manufacturer and model preferences. Include specifications in order to further avoid confusion. If you don’t know, I suggest you have your GPC holder, or supply, get ahold of one of the Special Operations TLS vendors like Darley or Noble. There are several contract holders and they have in-house experts who can go over options. You can also do some research each here on SSD.

AFSOC Photos by Airman 1st Class Raul Mercado.

*Language warning, it’s Eddie after all…

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Caveat Emptor, Helmets, SOF, WTF? | 10 Comments »

Qilo Tactical’s x Perroz Designs – Safari Collection Season VI

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Built for the kind of safari where the animals shoot back.

Safari Collection season VI – “The African Dictator Special” is inspired largely by the sartorial choices of Mobutu Sese Seko who was a Congolese politician and military officer who renamed Congo to Zaire and ruled it for 26 years from 1971 to 1997.

He was well known for donning his iconic leopard print hat.

Drops this Friday, 3PM EDT. All items are made in Canada by Perroz Designs and distributed by Qilo Tactical.

Posted in Armor, Camo, Helmets | No Comments »

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland ais Declared Fully Operational

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

First announced in September 2023 and driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility is based in Gdansk. Production has been running for close to a month, with Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmets as the inaugural systems coming off the production line in preparation for shipment to a key customer in Northern Europe. With this major milestone, the facility is officially declared as operational. Galvion plans to follow this announcement with a formal VIP opening ceremony in June.

Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We are committed to responsible regional operations in order to serve our global customer base in the most efficient way possible. Having the ability to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract and beyond.” Stirtzinger added: “Our investment project here has been built from the ground up, requiring support, coordination and collaboration across Galvion, not to mention a network of local and national partners in Poland. It is really gratifying for our entire team to see the first Caiman helmets coming off the production line. Special thanks go to our Polish team for their relentless dedication as well as to everyone else who has helped make this such a success.”

Posted in Helmets, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »