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Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

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.

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

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

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)

TacHacker – Helmet Assault Ghillie

Saturday, July 10th, 2021

TNVC’s Augee Kim recently shared his Helmet Assault Ghillie DIY project on social media. Here it is, in case you missed it.

Recent little project of mine that I’m calling the “Helmet Assault Ghillie,” or “HAG.”

Inspired by WWII-era “net” helmet covers, I wanted a quick and easy way to attach and remove camouflage scrim to a helmet, while still retaining full functionality of critical components like the helmet rails/rail-mounted accessories, Core Survival Hel-Star 6 IFF strobes, external power connectors, retention systems, etc.

The base is a 550 cord net secured to the helmet using shock cord and clipped on to the helmet clips included with the Ops-Core Step-In Visor (the kit actually includes all the needed clips—two long ones for Super High Cut configuration rails as well as two short ones for High Cut/XP configuration rails, I just installed both), to which I used jute twine to tie on manufactured camouflage net as well as cut strips of Multicam mesh material, but you could also tie or tuck any foliage, burlap, or other material to it as well.

The final product gives me full function (including being able to change batteries in the external battery pack by unhooking the back of the HAG) of all my helmet-mounted systems, while, in my opinion, effectively breaking up the outline of the helmet and providing effective (and matching—tacti-fashion is important too) additional camouflage that is non-permanent, and quick and easy to attach and remove.

SKYDEX and Helmet Comp Team Up to Launch Revolutionary Helmet Protection System

Tuesday, June 29th, 2021

New SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System improves operational effectiveness with industry leading protection and unique custom fit liner

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (June 2021) – SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions, today announced that the company has partnered with Helmet Comp to design the next generation of helmet protection and introduce the new, state-of-the-art SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System.

The combined expertise of SKYDEX and Helmet Comp will benefit the tactical helmet industry, as they partner with best-in-class technologies to improve user fit and impact protection for those in the military and law enforcement communities. With incredible energy absorbing capability and an unrivaled fit system, together these innovators aim to reshape the future of helmet protection.

“By combining the impact protection expertise of SKYDEX and the fit expertise of Helmet Comp, we will help solve the challenges tactical helmet users have faced for years and improve operational effectiveness,” said Collin Metzer, Director, Blast & Ballistics at SKYDEX. “We shared a vision with Helmet Comp to create a new helmet protection system that offers users comfort without compromising protection. The early reception from industry end users has been overwhelmingly positive.”

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 system and 8-points of adjustment, the IsoFit line 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. SKYDEX has launched limited quantities of this new Helmet Protection System for pre-order, and will announce additional details in the coming weeks.

“Collaborating with the passionate team at SKYDEX on the new SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System has been a rewarding project,” said Brad Maloney, CEO & Founder at Helmet Comp. “Our partnership of shared ideas and technologies will help the company continue its mission of protecting people across the globe. We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the future of helmet protection with SKYDEX and to revolutionize a design that makes it not only safer, but easier for users to do their job while in action.”

To learn more about SKYDEX’s early adoption program and to sign up for the limited release of the new IsoFit Helmet Protection System available fall 2021, please visit www.skydex.com/product/skydex-isofit-helmet-protection-system.

Dynamic Fuzz – Twin Hooker

Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

The Twin Hooker from Dynamic Fuzz is a simple, bungee-style cable management solution for helmets.

Offered in Black or Coyote.

www.dynamicfuzz.com/product/twin-hooker

Diamond Age NeoSteel Tactical Helmet Now Available in Full-Cut Option

Monday, April 26th, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The world’s toughest combat helmet adds a full-cut option along with a high-cut model introduced in the late summer of 2020.

McKinney, Texas (April 2021) – Texas-based, materials science and ballistics specialists, Diamond Age, are pleased to announce the Full-Cut model option of its next-generation steel NeoSteel™ Helmet. Designed to offer maximum coverage, the Full-Cut option meets and exceeds VPAM-3+ Special Threats ballistic requirements.

The ACH-style helmet is a modular combat helmet produced using the most technologically advanced metal alloys offering all-day comfort, balance, protection, and, unlike the current K-pot polymer-produced helmets today, will not degrade over time thus weakening its protective capabilities.

In addition, Diamond Age has reduced lead-time for products to meet the demand of its customers without sacrificing on materials, technology, or performance. The new Diamond Age NeoSteel Full-Cut, as well as the High-Cut helmets and Face Protection Module, are currently in stock and will ship within days rather than weeks.

The NeoSteel Helmets are an evolution in personal protection offering the lightest possible weight at 3.25 lbs. with high levels of ballistic performance in a steel helmet. NeoSteel Helmet offers best-in-class performance for minimal backface deformation (BFD) and impact trauma. Unlike current polymer-based helmets, the NeoSteel is also environmentally stable, providing users years of consistent rim-to-rim protection, without material degradation that would severely compromise protection performance.

Diamond Age has spent years of research and rigorous developmental testing to arrive at a tactical helmet designed to meet the requirements and needs of combat environments, as well as being an affordable personal protection helmet for civilians.

Diamond Age NeoSteel Helmet in Full-Cut or High-Cut is now available in Black, Foliage Green, or Tan and in Medium or Large/Extra-Large (Full-Cut available in Large/Extra-Large only) for an MSRP starting at $195.00 without accessories.