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Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Configurable by color, retention and accessories for rescue, tactical and military mission needs

CLEVELAND, Ohio – April 27, 2026 – Team Wendy®, a leading provider of head protection systems for military, law enforcement and rescue professionals, unveils RECON Tactical, a next-generation bump helmet that brings protection, fit and utility together in one configurable design for search and rescue (SAR), tactical law enforcement, military and training missions.

RECON Tactical combines a streamlined profile, secure fit and broad accessory compatibility into one adaptable offering for diverse environments. Its development was guided by a dedicated research initiative aimed at better understanding how modern rescue professionals operate, with additional field input from FEMA responders, firefighters, the U.S. Coast Guard and other highly specialized teams.

Dialed to Duty

With RECON Tactical, Team Wendy focused on protection against head collisions and falling objects, accessory-ready compatibility and comfortable long-wear fit to deliver a helmet that is as adaptable as the professionals who rely on it. Features include military-standard interfaces for headsets, lights and goggles, including an NVG shroud with a machined aluminum plate, bungee cords with hooks to stabilize front-mount accessories, side rails, as well as external Velcro® loop panels.

A low-profile hybrid shell reinforced with a carbon fiber crown gives RECON Tactical a streamlined silhouette and added strength, while maintaining a secure-on-the-head feel:

The CAM FIT™ retention system utilizes cam lock sliders for simple one-handed adjustment.

The BOA® dial feature stabilizes the weight of the helmet by distributing light, even pressure around the head, similar in feel to a baseball cap.

Zorbium® foam pads, shell vents and lattice cooling pads balance impact absorption, airflow and long-wear support.

Customers can also select either a chin cup or sport-style retention option based on mission needs and preference.

“RECON Tactical is the most advanced, highest-performing bump helmet in our portfolio,” said Bryan Javorek, Product Category Manager, Team Wendy. “Patent coverage is issued or is pending on several components and systems, which speaks to the engineering behind this helmet and the way it brings protection, stability and utility together.

“A few things keep coming up in the early feedback from rescue professionals and field evaluators: the light feel, small profile and better airflow, all right out of the box. And from there, they start noticing the details like the carbon fiber crown, mounting options and the overall thoughtfulness behind it. It gives us confidence that the design is resonating the way we hoped it would.”

A Bump Up

Launching in M/L and XL sizes in red, yellow, black, white and coyote brown, RECON Tactical can be further customized with vent covers and reflective tape kits. A SOLAS kit will be available for high-visibility SAR requirements.

The helmet delivers impact protection to EN 12492:2012 for mountaineering helmets, EN 1385:2012 for whitewater helmets, NATO AEP 2902- Method H and U.S. ACH AR/PD 14-02 for combat helmets—benchmarks that reflect flexible engineering across multiple mission sets.

Committed to protecting those who face danger every day, Team Wendy continues to evolve head protection through applied research, end-user collaboration and rigorous design and development aimed at reducing the risk of head trauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Explore the new RECON Tactical bump helmet and a full lineup of head protection solutions at teamwendy.com.

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | No Comments »

Redefining Rotary Wing Protection: Gentex Launches Next Generation Helmet Platform at AAAA 2026

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

At AAAA this week, Gentex Corporation will unveil its Next Generation Rotary Wing Helmet, a purpose-built solution engineered to elevate safety, adaptability, and mission performance for modern aircrew. Designed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the helmet provides a scalable platform that supports both current and future helmet-mounted display (HMD) technologies, ensuring long-term operational relevance as mission requirements evolve.

Built to meet the U.S. Army’s most stringent impact and protection standards, including 56/P (FNS/PD 96-18) and DOI specifications, the helmet delivers enhanced impact and debris resistance, in a lighter weight platform. Gentex’s LockDown® Liner System technology enables a secure, stable fit, while improvements in field of view, cable management, and overall system integration create a lighter, compact and more comfortable solution optimized for extended missions and demanding operational environments.

At the core of the system is an architecture that enables airframe- and mission-specific customization. Designed to be both upgradable and interchangeable, the helmet evolves alongside mission demands, supporting rapid integration of new technologies without compromising performance. This adaptability is further enhanced through close industry collaboration, allowing for tailored configurations that incorporate system-specific components and respond to the dynamic needs of operators.

By combining advanced safety features with scalable, future-ready design, Gentex continues to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving challenges of rotary wing operations. Stop by Booth 1052 in Nashville this week or sign up at www.gentexcorp.com to continue to learn more.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

USMC Awards Gentex Contract for Integrated Helmet Systems

Monday, April 13th, 2026

The Department of War made the following announcement on Friday, 10 April, 2026 at COB;

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $128,484,849 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Integrated Helmet Systems. This contract provides for the procurement of Integrated Helmet Systems with associated components and accessories. The ordering period will be a maximum of five years and is expected to be completed in April 2031. Work will be performed in Simpson, Pennsylvania. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task/delivery orders as they are issued. The requirement was procured under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) as a follow-on production agreement to the prototype agreement (M67854-20-9-1000). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-D-5401).

I’d like to remind readers that Galvion was also issued a contract by the Marine Corps for this program last August for $131,396,296. Both contracts are Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ).

This program has been underway for quite some time. To give you an idea, the photo was taken of the Gentex helmet in May of 2022.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, USMC | 4 Comments »

Headborne Systems – Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.)

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

Headborne Systems’ Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.) is a lightweight, low-profile solution designed to secure helmet-mounted accessories such as battery packs and night vision devices.

Developed in the Netherlands in collaboration with Flimmuur and produced by British Tactical in the UK, M.A.R.S. has been on the market for several years and continues to evolve through incremental updates. The latest laminate baseplate weighs just 3 grams (approx. 0.11 oz), keeping the system’s footprint minimal, while maintaining durability.

The system integrates with all ballistic and bump helmets and is available in MultiCam, Ranger Green, Wolf Grey, and Black. M.A.R.S. can be sourced via Geartown and Geardom, both shipping worldwide.

Posted in Guest Post, Helmets | No Comments »

Galvion Receives Batlskin Caiman Order for Another 29,000 Helmets, from the Canadian DND, Through NSPA

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has received a new order from the Department of National Defence (DND) Canada for its flagship Batlskin Caiman® ballistic helmet systems. This latest order for an additional 29,000 helmets with two (2) helmet covers each, has been placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract.

Galvion was awarded the Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme contract in February 2023 for 2,100 helmets and 4,200 helmet covers. In July 2024, the DND exercised an option to order an additional 8,400 helmets and 16,800 helmet covers taking the total Canadian DICE order to 10,500 helmets and 21,000 covers, all successfully delivered. In July 2025 Galvion announced a third follow-on order, with delivery planned for early 2026. In total, the DICE contract orders total 15,000 helmets and over 30,000 covers. This latest order, for a further 29,000 this time through NPSA and outside of the original DICE programme contract, takes the total Caiman helmet systems ordered by the Canadian DND to over 44,000 helmets and over 100,000 covers.

Developed over a number of years with extensive SOF community collaboration and feedback and now fielded in the hundreds of thousands across multiple NATO countries, Galvion’s Caiman® helmet system delivers unmatched levels of weight and comfort, and is expressly designed to incorporate electronics, communications headsets, and other critical equipment needs, now and into the future. For this most recent NSPA order, Galvion will be supplying the DND with its NATO Caiman® helmet system, which features updated and robust rails, a breakaway harness and the latest improved version of its best-in-class APEX liner system. Ms Danielli, General and Cooperative Services Programme Manager, emphasized: “NSPA is proud to support the Canadian Armed Forces in delivering critical protective equipment to their troops. This procurement demonstrates the strength of our COMMIT partnership in providing nations with reliable and cost-effective solutions. Through the web-based platform of the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE), NSPA accelerates procurement by consolidating national requirements and leveraging long-term framework contracts, enabling nations to translate urgent operational needs into timely, mission-relevant capabilities.”

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman at Galvion said: “We are exceedingly proud to receive yet another significant order from the Canadian DND taking the total to over 44,000 helmets in a four-year period, this time through the NSPA framework contract. Repeat orders like this demonstrate partner confidence and end-user satisfaction, both of which are core drivers for everything that we do at Galvion.” He added: “We continue to see significant increases in demand across all of our head system platforms, with the Caiman helmet seeing far and wide adoption beyond the SOF community, as evidenced by the continued receipt of orders from NATO countries through our NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. For the Canadian DND to have adopted the NSPA model makes it very clear that the NSPA procurement route delivers advantages to NATO members on both sides of the Atlantic. Caiman, through NSPA, has now become the global head system of choice.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, NSPA, Press Release | No Comments »

Enforce Tac 26 – Galvion

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

Leaning into the Teutonic theme, Galvion is giving away this helmet during this year’s Enforce Tac.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Helmets | 1 Comment »

Mehler Protection Presents “Omega Jaw”: First Mandible Guard with AK47 Protection Meeting VPAM 6

Friday, February 20th, 2026

FULDA, GERMANY (19.02.2026)

With the “Omega Jaw” mandible guard, Mehler Protection is introducing a new generation of face and jaw protection specifically designed for threats from AK47 MSC projectiles in accordance with VPAM 6, while fully maintaining system compatibility with Mehler Protection’s ultra-lightweight high-cut helmets. “This development underlines our ambition to drive innovation in our industry. Our products are based on operational requirements and are designed to provide optimum protection and genuine reliability,” explains Dr Mario Amschlinger, CEO Mehler Systems.

Homogeneous head protection against rifle ammunition

With Omega Jaw, Mehler Protection is transferring its long-standing expertise in ballistic body armour to face and jawprotection. Whereas conventional helmet/face protection combinations generally provide only limited protection against handgun ammunition and basic fragmentation protection, the system achieves a maximum protection level against AK47 MSC projectiles at a velocity of 720 m/s (VPAM 6 level) with minimal frontal deformation. This closes a critical protection gap and, for the first time, enables logically coordinated, complementary face protection.

The ballistic high-cut helmet of the Omega series can be upgraded to protection level VPAM 6 by attaching ultra-lightweight plates made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). These ugradeable plates are an essential component of the holistic VPAM 6 protection architecture. In combination with the mandible guard, the reinforced helmet provides homogeneous all-round head protection.

“In line with the current trend towards enhanced protection for face and head areas, Omega Jaw is a real game changer,” say the mandible guard designers, Dr Christian Rödel and Marie Schmidt. “For the first time, operators have access to a face and jaw protection solution that provides protection against AK47 rounds, integrates seamlessly into our ultra-lightweight high-cut helmets and at the same time maintains compatibility with mission-critical accessories. This is a decisive step towards homogeneous head protection for highly critical operational environments.”

Seamless integration into high-cut helmets with no design modifications

Omega Jaw is attached to the high-cut helmet shell via a specially developed U-profile that locks onto the helmet rim. This ensures secure and rapid system integration without altering the basic helmet design. The three-piece plate structure deliberately incorporates overlaps both between the plates and at the helmet interface in order to minimise vulnerabilities and ensure the most continuous protective surface possible. Despite the extended protection area, Omega Jaw is engineered for full compatibility with common hearing protection and communication headsets such as Peltor systems and can be used in combination with the Mehler Protection helmet visor.

Modular textile and plate concept with tactical interfaces

The textile cover concept allows the integration of different protective plates, supporting scalable protection levels as well as future material upgrades. At the same time, the design offers valuable mounting options on Picatinny rails, enabling users to attach tactical equipment without compromising protection. The system can be quickly donned and doffed using hook-and-loop straps and is designed for compact stowage during transport or when not in use.

Posted in Armor, Helmets, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Mehler Protection Presents “Omega Jaw”: First Mandible Guard with AK47 Protection Meeting VPAM 6

Ops-Core Is Heading to Enforce Tac

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Stop by to experience the complete product line including the FAST® helmet system, the global standard trusted by Global Special Operations Forces and Nation Police SWAT teams worldwide. Ops-Core’s fully integrated system seamlessly combines optics, respiratory protection, and AMP® communication headsets to deliver lightweight protection, enhanced situational awareness, and uncompromised performance.

Available through the NSPA contract, Ops-Core solutions simplify procurement and accelerate fielding for allied forces.

Visit Us in Booth 7-747 alongside our German partner IEA MIL-Optics GmbH in Nuremberg to see how we continue to define the future of integrated headborne capability!

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on Ops-Core Is Heading to Enforce Tac