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Galvion Helmet System Chosen as Next-Generation Protection for German Specialised Forces

Friday, December 11th, 2020

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power management solutions, is pleased to announce that a customized Baltskin® Viper helmet solution has been chosen as the next Specialised Forces Helmet (Helm SpezKr schwer; Specialised Forces are Ranger-type units of the German Army). The program was awarded to Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics GmbH, who will act as the in-country contracting entity for the Galvion helmet, following a full and open competition. The contract encompasses the delivery of up to 20,000 helmets, with an initial order for 5000 helmet systems and helmet refurbishment plan to be executed in-country by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, as well as the option for a 2-year contract extension following contract framework completion in 2025.

The bespoke helmet system, developed to the German MoD’s rigorous performance and technical standards, underwent thorough testing and an extensive user evaluation prior to being selected. The Viper helmet solution will come in a custom German Green colour, and features Galvion’s Modular Suspension System which has been configured to meet a variety of impact standards and mission requirements. The helmet is lighter, offers better protection and improved integration with Communication Devices and NVGs than the current fielded helmet, and end-user feedback rated the helmet comfortable and high-performing. Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics will begin delivering the Galvion helmet to the German Specialised Forces in Q2 2021.

“After years of development, we are honoured to have our Viper helmet system chosen by the German Specialised Forces,” commented Alex Hooper, Galvion’s V.P. of Global Business Development. “Our experienced team of engineers and designers worked with the MoD to build a user-centric system that balances protection, integration, durability and optimized fit. Germany’s exacting technical requirements and broad testing process ensures that their soldiers will be outfitted with a high-performing system that has been tailored to meet their unique mission needs. Having RSE acting as our contracting entity ensures that the German Bundeswehr will have a premium product with reliable in-country support throughout the life of the program. “

Hooper added: “Galvion has developed a reputation as the leader in NATO next-generation helmet systems, and the awarding of this contract speaks of our commitment to provide bespoke solutions for the modern soldier.”

As well as this latest award, Galvion enjoys an impressive track record of large-scale global sales for protective head systems and soldier power management systems. Other key customers include defence forces from the US, Canada, UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, in addition to many NATO SF unit around the world.

www.galvion.com

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release, SOF | 2 Comments »

AXL Advanced – RAC Link

Thursday, December 3rd, 2020

The RAC Link allows users to easily attach their currently owned or issued headsets to the innovative Ops-Core AMP Helmet Rail Mount Kit (RAC headset arms).

Compatible with the following headsets:
• Peltor Comtac 3/5
• MSA Sordin, TCI Liberator
• Howard Leights Impact Sport

www.axladvanced.com

Posted in Comms, Helmets | 2 Comments »

Acquisition of Team Wendy by Avon Rubber PLC Now Closed

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020

$130 million transaction creates global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets

CLEVELAND, OH (Nov. 3, 2020) – Further to the announcement made on Sept. 9, 2020, the acquisition of Team Wendy, LLC (“Team Wendy”) by Avon Rubber p.l.c. (“Avon”) (LON: AVON) is now closed.

Team Wendy, a leading U.S. supplier of exceptional head protection systems for military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure markets, now operates as a subsidiary of Avon Protection from the Company’s current headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Team Wendy continues to be led by its President Jose Rizo-Patron and its six department directors, who all remain in their positions.

Together, Avon Protection and Team Wendy are a global leader in head protection systems for the military and first responder markets, following Avon Protection’s acquisition of 3M’s ballistic protection business and the Ceradyne brand earlier this year.

“Today we start an exciting new chapter for Team Wendy that will usher in new opportunities for our employees, our customers and our business partners,” said Jose Rizo-Patron, president of Team Wendy. “We remain focused on our vision to save lives by providing the best for anyone wearing a helmet.”

“The acquisition of Team Wendy is another important strategic step in the transformation of Avon Rubber into a leading provider of life critical personal protection systems,” said Paul McDonald, chief executive officer of Avon. “Bringing Team Wendy into the same family with our existing Helmets & Armor business establishes Avon Protection as a global leader in military and first responder helmets, with an enhanced and broader product portfolio with stronger capabilities and routes to market.”

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Diamond Age NeoSteel Tactical Helmet Accessories Now Available

Thursday, October 15th, 2020

The world’s toughest combat helmet just got even better with the addition of new accessories, and more to come.

McKinney, Texas (October 2020) – Texas-based, materials science and ballistics specialists, Diamond Age, unveiled the next generation steel NeoSteel™ Helmet in August, and now offer the first two helmet accessories, designed specifically for the NeoSteel Helmet.

The NeoSteel Helmet is a modular combat helmet produced using the most technologically advanced metal alloys resulting in a helmet that meets and exceeds VPAM-3 + Special Threats ballistic requirements. The design is based on the combat-proven M1 steel-pot helmet and is the evolutionary descendant featuring all-day comfort, balance, protection, and unlike the current K-pot polymer produced helmets today, will not degrade over time and weaken its protective capabilities.

The first two NeoSteel Helmet accessories available are the Combat Circlet and the Face Protector. The Combat Circlet is the ideal mounting platform for night vision gear (NVGs) and other head-worn accessories. Made from durable, glass-filled polymer and using the most advanced additive manufacturing techniques it is securely mounted to the NeoSteel Helmet by four retention-system holes on the helmet. The NVG bracket requires no additional drilling of holes into the front of the helmet and provides bungee cord ports for stabilization and retention. The M-LOK side rails accept accessories directly and can also be used as a platform for Picatinny adapters. The Combat Circlet’s vertical crest allows for additional stability and more accessory-mounting real estate. Future modules in development for the crest include applique blast protection and an applique ghillie module. The rear of the Combat Circlet features a tie-down bar for additional stability without using a counterweight. The Combat Circlet also allows for direct integration with the NeoSteel Helmet Face Protector.

The NeoSteel Ventail face protector offers the wearer an enhanced protection platform from ballistic threats. It covers the face, side of the head, and a portion of the anterior neck. It mounts easily and quickly to the helmet using the four retention system holes on the shell and protects from blunt impact, blast overpressure, and debris. The Ventail is also fully compatible with most ballistic glasses and offers an unconstrained field-of-view while being lighter in weight and tougher than traditional transparent ballistic visors.

“Unlike the composite helmets on the market today, the NeoSteel Helmet will serve the warfighter or LEO for years to come. Advances in steel technologies now enable a helmet that performs better than Kevlar or polyethylene composite helmets in many respects,” Diamond Age CEO, Jake Ganor, commented. “And a big plus for the wearer is that the helmet shell is largely incapable of deformation, so there’s a greatly reduced risk of behind helmet head trauma.”

For agencies concerned with “behind armor trauma,” in which the LEO or warfighter suffers from neck injuries due to the head acceleration from a ballistic hit, the NeoSteel Helmet spreads the kinetic energy load across the entire padding system protecting from any blunt impact injuries. Only the NeoSteel Helmet gives the wearer edge-to-edge protection with over 110 square inches of solid protection.

Diamond Age NeoSteel Helmet is now available in Black, Green, or Tan and in Medium or Large/Extra-Large for an MSRP starting at $195.00. The Combat Circlet is an additional $125.00 and the Ventail face protector is $187. Please allow anywhere from seven to fifteen weeks for helmets with accessories to ship.

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Thyrm VariArc Now for Team Wendy Helmets

Thursday, October 15th, 2020

Helmet Light Mount with 360 ? Rotational Indexing

Sunnyvale, CA – Thyrm is excited to announce that the VariArcTM Helmet Mount is now available in a Team Wendy version. Featuring positive indexing at forward, umbrella and admin angles, the VariArc mount directs light right where you need it with a quick twist.

The VariArc helmet mount features locking teeth biased to the forward position, keeping your light aligned for the most critical uses; but with a firm twist, the VariArc mount unlocks and rotates through 8 additional lower-force index points for administrative tasks and diffused lighting options. Its small footprint and low- profile keep things tidy and the 1913 picatinny rail allows for maximum compatibility with visible and IR lights. Its reinforced polymer construction is built to remain fully functional through extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, sand, water, drops on concrete, and other rough handling.

Features include:
§ Positively locks in the forward index position
§ Picatinny accessory rail with 3 slots and 4 ridges
§ Retention holes on both ends for dummy wiring critical gear
§ Durable, reinforced polymer construction with steel hardware
§ Compatible with dovetail-style helmet rails
§ Available in black and flat dark earth colorways
§ Also available for Ops-Core Helmets

As with all Thyrm products, VariArc mounts are designed and made in the USA.

To learn more or purchase, head to www.thyrm.com or your favorite Thyrm dealer. Government orders: gov@thyrm.com

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Lights, Press Release | 1 Comment »

High Ground Wins Next Gen ANG Helmet Cover

Tuesday, October 6th, 2020

Ehmke Manufacturing Company, Inc., home of High Ground is pleased to announce that the Air National Guard (ANG), has awarded a contract to purchase High Ground’s newly designed “TANGO-SFS” helmet cover for their special operations and security forces units.

High Ground’s TANGO-SFS helmet cover is specifically developed for operators that require demanding performance criteria, functionality and Berry Compliance. High Ground’s technical staff and application engineers worked directly with the Air National Guard to evaluate, research and test downrange feedback that resulted in product enhancements and the incorporation of unique design elements in the ANG’s head borne protection systems.

“Our team of engineers working under the direction of Executive Vice President Michael Runella, were able to develop a helmet cover that exceeds the requirements to support the mission of our Air National Guard (ANG),” said High Ground President Glenn Aust. “Our mission at High Ground is and has always been to focus on what we can do to support our war fighters as they selflessly work each day to protect us and the interests of our country.”

“These advancements position High Ground as a major contributor to future head borne systems that will benefit the military. High Ground now offers a 100% Berry Compliant, made in the U.S.A., commercial off the shelf (COTS) product,” said Mike Runella, Executive Vice President.

“Mike Runella and his product development team did an excellent job of translating the Air National Guard’s performance criteria into a robust head borne systems product. The joint collaboration between the soldier and our technical team has resulted in a high-performing product for our front-line soldiers,” commented Ehmke CEO Bob Rosania. “I see this as just the first product we will develop with the help of the Air National Guard.

The complete High Ground product catalogue of tactical gear and armor can be found at www.highgroundgear.com.

High Ground: We Make Every Stitch Count…

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | 10 Comments »

D3O Impact Protection Specified by US Army

Thursday, October 1st, 2020

Thursday 1 Oct, 2020 – D3O is proud to be the specified helmet suspension pad supplier in the recently awarded Integrated Helmet Protection System (IHPS) Suspension System contracts. The split awards to VisionCorps (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), and Winston-Salem Industries For The Blind Inc. (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), are Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with deliveries through 21 June 2023. Under the terms of the contract, D3O will deliver up to 100,000 suspension pad sets per year. Building on D3O’s past performance delivering IHPS helmet pads to the US Army as a sub-tier supplier during the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) program phase, these latest awards cement D3O’s market position as a leading provider of next generation head protection to the US Armed Forces.

The IHPS is one of four subsystems of the cutting-edge Soldier Protection System (SPS), a modular, scalable, tailorable platform designed to defeat current threats at a reduced weight in comparison to the Army’s existing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) system. SPS increases the warfighter’s survivability, mobility and modularity by optimizing soldier protection while effectively reducing weight with the latest technologies and managing all lifecycle aspects of personal protective equipment. SPS provides the soldier with multiple levels of protection tailorable to a broad range of missions.

The IHPS consists of a helmet, with provision for adding mandible protection and/or ballistic visor for mounted use. The system is designed to protect a soldier’s head, enabling soldiers to configure its various components to optimize protection to the specific threat and mission.

D3O, a UK-based impact protection company with offices and Berry Amendment-compliant production capability in the US, was the first company to simultaneously meet the IHPS system’s rigorous 14 foot/second impact protection requirement while delivering improved performance for the traditional 10 foot/second requirement. The company is now producing a one-size-fits-all IHPS helmet pad system that is also lighter and more comfortable than the previous generation. This reduces soldier burden, allowing for increased survivability, agility, and maneuverability.

To develop the system, D3O leveraged its previous helmet pad design expertise supplying multiple Defense customers, including prominent international protective kit providers, as well as its expertise developing market-leading impact protection across the industrial, sports, motorcycle and electronics markets. The result, developed in collaboration with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is a helmet pad set that exceeds the requirements set by the US Army. D3O commenced IHPS Generation I LRIP in summer 2018.

Bill VanMullekom, Executive Vice President, said: “Our ultimate goal for the SPS IHPS program is to bring the benefits of next generation D3O Impact Protection to those that need it most. Our next generation helmet pad systems meet the most stringent impact standards while being suited for a wide array of helmet shells, offering maximum protection to the warfighter. D3O invests heavily in its new material and product engineering pipeline initiatives and is proud to serve US Army needs with this latest technology.”

The new offering complements D3O’s helmet pad range, consisting of the original TRUST Stealth and Berry Compliant TRUST Nimbus, the company’s latest lightweight system tested for use in both aramid and polyethylene helmet shells for greater versatility. Nimbus is available in 7- and 9-pad configurations, the latter affording end users the option to remove a single pad to create a channel for over-the-ear hearing communication straps. A study conducted in the second quarter of 2020 to obtain both military and law enforcement user reviews on TRUST Nimbus confirmed it is suitable for wear all day, every day. A majority of users advised this system was better or much better in terms of comfort, breathability, weight and overall than their prior helmet liner, and 100 percent recommended a change from their prior system to the TRUST Nimbus system.

Posted in Army, Helmets, Materials, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Galvion Appoints SMA (Retired) Dan Dailey as a Strategic Consultant

Thursday, September 10th, 2020

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power management solutions, has announced the recent appointment of Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Daniel A. Dailey, U.S. Army retired, as a strategic consultant to the Galvion team.

SMA (retired) Dan Dailey, is a native of Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Dailey enlisted in the Army in 1989 as an 11B (infantryman). During his 30-year career, Dailey held every enlisted leadership position in the infantry. Dailey was sworn in as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army on Jan. 30, 2015 and relinquished the position on Aug. 9, 2019.

In addition to four tours in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, Dailey deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his leadership during the 4th Infantry Division’s two?month Battle for Sadr City in 2008.

Dailey is a graduate of class 54 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and the Command Sergeants Major Course. Dailey holds a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Excelsior College.

SMA (retired) Dan Dailey said: “Galvion’s focus on active, performance-enhancing equipment –making the soldier faster, lighter and more connected – is the future of survivability. The team understands the soldier and is thinking not just about what they need today, but more importantly, what they will need tomorrow”.

“SMA (retired) Dailey’s pedigree speaks for itself,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Galvion. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him working with our Senior Leadership team, providing invaluable insight and expertise garnered from a distinguished career in the U.S. Military. Since joining us, we have learned first-hand that his career-long commitment to the survivability of the soldier, not to mention his overall core values, so closely align with what we work towards every day at Galvion. We are truly honored to have Dan on our team.”

www.galvion.com

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