Helmets | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

DSEi 21 – Ulbrichts Rifle Series Helmets

Wednesday, September 15th, 2021

Austria’s Ulbrichts has introduced a new helmet in their Rifle series which can defeat 7.62 x 39 steel core rounds.

This helmet is rated VPAM-6 HVN2009. It is available with night vision shroud and rails as seen here are can be had stripped down. The dial at the rear is to adjust the helmet for a proper fit (48-62). Not only does the helmet stop the projectile but their liner is instrumental in dealing with the kinetic energy of the 7.62 x 39 threat reducing it from 2000 joules to far below 25 joules, preventing lethal brain trauma.

Posted in DSEi, Helmets, International | 1 Comment »

DSEi 21 – Gentex RF1 Helmet

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

Gentex is exhibiting their newly launched RF1 Helmet, capable of defeating .30 threats.

Specifically, the RF1 Ops-Core FAST helmet system, protects against 7.62X39 mild steel core rounds, the most prevelant threat on the battlefield.

It weighs an average of 3.5 lbs (1592 grams) making it the lightest weight 7.62x39mm ballistic protection helmet system on the market.

“Gentex and the Ops-Core brand are synonymous with innovation and the FAST RF1 is the latest breakthrough that will provide today’s warfighter with an unprecedented level of protection,” said Des Walsh, vice president of advanced research and development for Gentex Corporation. “We’re proud to field the most ballistically protective helmet shell ever qualified for production by Gentex.”

Posted in Admin, Advertiser, DSEi, Helmets | 1 Comment »

SKYDEX and ArmorSource Partner on Helmet Technology Innovation to Protect Military and Law Enforcement Communities

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021

ArmorSource to offer new SKYDEX Iso-Fit Helmet Protection System to Military Troops and Law Enforcement as latest innovation to improve operational effectiveness

DENVER, COLO. (Sept. 8, 2021) – SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions, today announced that the company has partnered with ArmorSource to enhance the company’s combat helmets with state-of-the-art technology and a new generation of protection with the SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System.

A strategic move that will revolutionize the tactical helmet industry, SKYDEX and ArmorSource will combine forces to bring their best-in-class solutions and technologies together to create a helmet that features a custom fit liner and unbeatable protection for military and law enforcement communities. As a leading manufacturer of tactical helmets, ArmorSource is well equipped to leverage the new SKYDEX IsoFit system and lead the next generation of helmet protection.

“SKYDEX is proud to partner with a like-minded company that shares a similar standard of excellence and purpose to create solutions that protect people,” said Alvaro Vaselli, President and CEO of SKYDEX. “Between the recent advancements that ArmorSource has made with its helmet shell technology and our innovations in designing an unrivaled fit and impact protection, our solutions will help reshape the future of helmet protection on a global scale.”

The SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System features superior impact protection with an industry-leading energy-absorption pad system that can be easily integrated into any tactical helmet. With a patented micro-adjustment system, the IsoFit liner provides a customized fit and unmatched helmet stability to minimize distractions while users are in action. An added benefit includes open-airflow, designed to keep heads cool and dry in hot environments, combined with superior protection and fit. All of these elements offer users a safer and more comfortable experience, improving operational effectiveness.

“As a leading manufacturer of helmets, our mission is rooted in improving the survivability of military troops and law enforcement officers and ensuring our products represent the latest innovations for protection,” said Brad Grunden, President at ArmorSource. “By teaming up with the design experts at SKYDEX, we’re confident that this unique collaboration will elevate our company’s ability to leverage the most advance technology for military and law enforcement organizations and help grow the business substantially.”

To learn more about the new SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System available fall 2021, please visit www.skydex.com/product/skydex-isofit-helmet-protection-system.

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on SKYDEX and ArmorSource Partner on Helmet Technology Innovation to Protect Military and Law Enforcement Communities

US Army Awards Two Companies to vie for Next Generation Integrated Head Protection Systems

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021

The Department of Defense announced the following award for Next Generation Integrated Head Protection Systems.

“Avon Protection Ceradyne LLC, Irvine, California (W91CRB-21-D-0022); and Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania (W91CRB-21-D-0023), will compete for each order of the $87,619,643 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of Next Generation Integrated Head Protection Systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 6, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.”

In June, the Army published an intent to sole source this contract to Avon and Gentex.

NG IHPS is described as:

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Contracts, Helmets | 3 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Emissary Development NANO ARC Rail Carrier

Friday, August 27th, 2021

This NANO Carrier variant for the ARC Rail was a special request that they decided to bring to everyone. It can be rotated 90° giving you four position options that the MultiTasker NANO is accessible from.

It can be mounted to the Helmet ARC rails found on Ops-Core, Crye Precision and many other ballistic/bump helmets.

Right now they have three NANO Carrier variants in development:

MLOK, Picatinny and ARC Rail.

All three versions are coming along well and they hope to launch them all together.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

An Inside Look at F-35 Pilot Helmet Fittings

Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) —

Reservists in the 419th Operations Support Squadron play a crucial role to ensure the safety of pilots assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, the Air Force Reserve’s only combat-capable F-35 Lightning II unit.

“We are responsible for maintaining and repairing pilot gear to ensure everything is in proper working condition,” said Staff Sgt. AJ Arteaga, 419th OSS aircrew flight equipment Reservist. “That also includes their helmet.”

Every helmet is custom-fitted to its pilot during a two-day process at a fit facility. To begin assembly of the helmet, pilots have their heads measured and scanned to secure the perfect fit.

Once assembled, pilots need to have the optics aligned using a pupilometer, which measures the distance between their pupils within two millimeters of its center, so pilots see a single image on the helmet-mounted display.

On the display, pilots are able to view mission-critical information and obtain enhanced situational awareness of the battlefield simply by moving their head. The helmet gives pilots a 360-degree view of the F-35’s external environment without needing to tip the jet.

“The pilot can look down through a portion of their wing and see what’s below,” said Tech. Sgt. William Vass, 419th OSS. “When they look toward the cameras embedded on the F-35 that image projects onto their helmet display.”

The helmet’s innovative technology and precise fit require routine maintenance so pilots can complete their mission. In addition to pre- and post-flight fittings, the helmet is inspected every 105 days and has a 120-day fit check to ensure its functionality and safety.

“Pilots come in and put on all their gear so we can double-check to make sure everything fits properly and without issue,” Arteaga said. “Small things such as a new haircut or a couple of pounds gained could cause the helmet to not fit correctly.”

Mask adjustments are also included within the helmet fitting. Pilots are sent to an oxygen tester where aircrew flight equipment technicians can identify any leaks around the mask that could prevent adequate oxygen flow.

“The next part is to ensure there is a proper distance between the mask and the visor,” Arteaga said. “We have to make sure when the pilot moves or talks, the mask doesn’t hit the visor. If it’s too close, it will bend the visor and distort the display image.”

Reservists in the AFE shop are an integral part of the helmet-fitting process and maintenance intervals. They verify it remains as precise as possible to guarantee the safety of the 27 pilots in the 419th FW. The work is involved and in-depth, but essential to providing a seamless interaction between the helmets’ advanced capabilities and the exacting skills of the pilot wearing it.

By Senior Airman Erica Webster, 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Helmets | 4 Comments »

4D Tactical DELUXE Ops-Core Vented Lux Liner (VLL)/Lux Liner Retrofit Kit – Exclusive to TNVC

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021

tnvc.com/shop/4d-tactical-zero-g-deluxe-ops-core-vll-lux-liner-retrofit-kit

TNVC and 4D Tactical are excited to announce the release of a highly requested, highly sought after new product, developed in collaboration with 4D Tactical!

Developed exclusively for TNVC, the 4D Tactical DELUXE Ops-Core Vented Lux Liner (VLL)/Lux Liner Retrofit kit combines some of the very best helmet comfort pads with the best helmet liner/suspension system currently on the market, providing the ultimate in comfort, protection, and heat mitigation currently on the market.

While the Vented Lux Liner/Lux Liner system installed in most high end Ops-Core/Gentex helmet systems, including the FAST SF and USSOCOM FTHS is already one of the most comfortable helmet liner systems currently available, many users have expressed an interest in utilizing our popular 4D pad kits with their helmets.

However, because the Ops-Core Lux Liner/VLL is a fully integrated system, it is not directly compatible with other 4D Retrofit Pad Kits without removal of the Lux Liner and the excellent impact protection it offers. While the 4D Pads themselves offer excellent impact protection in lieu of the Lux Liner, it can be frustrating to have to remove the Lux Liner simply to install new pads. Moreover, depending on the type of Lux Liner, removing it can also interfere with the fit and function of the Ops-Core Fit Band suspension system, which again, is the best helmet suspension currently available on the market in terms of headborne systems and load stabilization and carriage.

To address this, TNVC has once again teamed up with 4D Tactical to develop a new DELUXE Retrofit Combat Liner which is a direct replacement for the existing Ops-Core Comfort Pads supplied with the FAST SF and other helmets utilizing the Vented Lux Liner or legacy Lux Liners, and while they are much thinner than traditional stand-alone 4D pads, the VLL/Lux Liner kit shares the same pedigree as all of the 4D Tactical pad kits. Originally developed for USSOCOM, these pads meet and exceed specification for ACH Blunt Impact and Ballistic Protection – even exceeding many standard issue, OEM, and aftermarket suspension system offerings (according to independent and DoD lab testing (USMC SMART-TE ACH Test).

The 4D Tactical Zero G DELUXE Ops-Core VLL/Lux Liner Retrofit Kit comes in one (1) configuration that is universally adaptable to ALL Lux Liner variants and helmet configurations, and includes:

1. Front/Brow Pad
2. Ops-Core Nape Pad
3. Ovals (2)
4. Half Ovals (2)
5. HIVE Pads (2)
6. Ops-Core Universal Nape/Rear Pad

The Universal Nape Pad is a brand new custom pad developed for the VLL/Lux Liner kit, and designed to work with the new optional Ops-Core Universal Nape Pad that can be used to either replace the standard small Ops-Core Nape Pad, or be used as a rear pad on the inside of the Lux Liner in conjunction with the standard nape configuration, and features stitched ventilation channels, offering superior flexibility to conform to the most variable part of users’ skull geometry in addition to improved cooling.

This nine (9) pad DELUXE Kit can be configured in multiple different configurations depending on the user’s preferences and Lux Liner/suspension/comms configuration, users can choose one of the recommended configurations below or mix and match pads that best suit their needs and provide the best comfort and fit:

(all configurations use the standard front/brow pad)

CONFIGURATION A, Universal Nape Pad + Helmet Mounted Comms/No Comms: Universal Nape Pad, 2 ovals and 2 half ovals in crown, 2 HIVEs on either side

CONFIGURATION B, Standard Ops-Core Nape + Helmet Mounted Comms/No Comms: Ops-Core Nape Pad, Universal Nape Pad as Rear Pad, 2 ovals, 1 half oval in crown, 2 HIVE pads on the side

CONFIGURATION C, Universal Nape Pad + Over-the-head (OTH) Comms: Universal Nape Pad, 1 oval and 2 half ovals in crown

CONFIGURATION D, Standard Ops-Core Nape + OTH Comms: Ops-Core Nape Pad, Universal Nape Pad as Rear Pad, 1 oval, 1 half oval in crown

The Zero G Deluxe Retrofit Combat Liner is a rate and temperature sensitive material that conforms to the wearer’s unique head shape. The materials provide unparalleled comfort, fit, and stability. All pads are covered in a heat and moisture wicking NanoTech anti-microbial fabric. It is designed to draw perspiration away from the head and will actually cool the wearer through this evaporative process. The Zero G Deluxe Retrofit Combat Liner is Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C 2533a) Compliant.

One Size Fits All.

Compatible with all Ops-Core Lux Liner and Vented Lux Liner Configurations and Ops-Core FAST SF/FTHS Family.

NOT compatible with non-Lux Liner configurations, MAY work with other manufacturers’ helmets utilizing circumferential impact liner layers. Fit is not guaranteed on non-Gentex/Ops-Core helmets.

NO RETURNS ACCEPTED ON OPEN PAD KITS for hygienic reasons.

tnvc.com/shop/4d-tactical-zero-g-deluxe-ops-core-vll-lux-liner-retrofit-kit

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

Australian Dept of Defence Announce $35m Contract to Aquaterro Australian Combat Helmet (Team Wendy EXFIL) Refurbishment Program

Tuesday, July 27th, 2021

Melbourne, Australia 27th July 2021.

Today the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP announced a landmark $35m (USD$26.5m) Contract with Australian Company, Aquaterro for the refurbishment of the ADF Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH) fleet.

www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/australias-first-combat-helmet-upgrade-program-starts-victoria

The contract to refurbish the Aquaterro supplied Team Wendy EXFIL (TCH) reflects the confidence the Australian Commonwealth has in Aquaterro’s capabilities as a technical inspection and complex programmes service provider. Aquaterro is the Prime Vendor for the Land125.3B Tiered Combat Helmet Program.

As a leading regional provider of soldier and officer worn and carried equipment, Aquaterro is steadfast in its continual strategic investment in product design, development, testing and production capabilities. Aquaterro’s commitment to investment in these critical capabilities continues to be evident through its significant expansion across multiple fronts, including recruitment of technical specialists and investment in dedicated infrastructure for the future, long- term commitment of Self-Protection Personal Equipment research and development.

As of July 2021, Aquaterro officially announces the completion of “Building 2” on its Aquaterro Defence Precinct site in Pakenham, Southeast Melbourne. This dedicated Integrated Soldier Systems Center on over 32,000 square feet of industrial land is adjacent to the company’s 70,000 square foot headquarters property, which will accommodate the Armour Technical Inspection and Refurbishment Workshop.

The HON Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, previewed Aquaterro’s refurbishment and SPPE capabilities during his visit to Aquaterro Headquarters in May 2021, where the Prime Minister was among the first to see the new Combat Ballistic Helmet Technical Inspection and Refurbishment process, now operating within the new Building 2, Integrated Solider Systems Center.

This facility and Aquaterro’s capabilities will continue to enable the ongoing development and production of operationally relevant Integrated Soldier Systems and Small Arms programs capability for Australia’s sovereign defence industry.

The Team Wendy EXFIL Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH)

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Australian Dept of Defence Announce $35m Contract to Aquaterro Australian Combat Helmet (Team Wendy EXFIL) Refurbishment Program