An SSD reader asked us to check out the latest upgrades to helmets from Croatian manufacturer Sestan-Busch.
The BK-ACH offers ACH level protection and is available in aramid of PE variants.
They’ve introduced a new visor system which attaches via bolts to the helmet and fits below the NVG shroud.
Schuberth is displaying a helmet concept they’ve created in conjunction with an aircrew helmet study they are undertaking for the German military.
The entire concept is modular with the ability to choose different shells for different applications such as frag protection for pilots but more robust ballistic solutions for door gunners.
The rail system is also modular as can be fitted to the different shells.
Additionally, it incorporates a fully adjustable inner lining rather than the custom lining currently in use which is very time consuming to order, manufacture and deliver.
Finally, it features an Integrated CBRN solution which has been adapted from the standard issue protective mask.
CLEVELAND, OH (Nov. 19, 2019) – Cleveland-based Team Wendy®, a leading provider of exceptional head protection systems for the military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and adventure sports communities announced today the immediate availability of several brand-new helmet accessories, including:
• EXFIL® Rail 3.0 system for the EXFIL Carbon and EXFIL LTP helmets, available both for new helmet purchases and as a retrofit kit for customers who already have the EXFIL Carbon or EXFIL LTP helmets with the original EXFIL Rail 2.0
• A new helmet cover design with options for all Team Wendy ballistic and bump helmets, including two brand new colors: MultiCam® Alpine and Wolf Gray
• Shroud Action Camera Adapter compatible with Wilcox® L4 series and similar helmet shrouds
The new rail system, modified from the EXFIL Ballistic SL, features a built-in Picatinny rail at its front, allowing the operator more efficient use of the accessory rail. Buyers of the EXFIL Carbon or EXFIL LTP will have the choice of either the EXFIL Rail 2.0 or EXFIL Rail 3.0 at time of purchase for no extra charge. Users who want to modify the rail on their existing helmet can purchase the EXFIL Carbon / LTP Rail 3.0 Retrofit Kit for $51.25.
“The EXFIL Rail 3.0 increases the capabilities of the Carbon and LTP by allowing operators to integrate visors, face shields and mandibles, offering additional protection for riot control and vehicular operations,” said Mike Romanchek, director of sales and business development for Team Wendy. “Plus, the retrofit kits allow existing owners of our bump helmets to take advantage of these new accessories.”
A new helmet cover design in six colors is available to fit the EXFIL Carbon, EXFIL LTP, EXFIL Ballistic SL and EXFIL Ballistic with either the EXFIL Rail 2.0 or EXFIL Rail 3.0 systems. The new covers utilize a combination of mesh and Nylon spandex fabrics and feature functional Velcro® loop patches with slots for efficient cable management. The new colors – MultiCam Alpine and Wolf Gray – join a current roster that includes Black, Coyote Brown, MultiCam and Ranger Green. The helmet covers retail for $74.99.
“Our customers know we’re always working to top ourselves,” said Romanchek. “These covers allow operators to better organize the kits they rely on to execute their mission.”
The Shroud Action Camera Adapter allows operators to securely mount an action camera, such as GoPro® and Garmin® models, to the helmet shroud. The adapter requires no tools to install and retails for $25.00.
“Team Wendy is pleased to be able to offer an action camera adapter, especially with GoPro’s discontinuation of its NVG mount,” said Romanchek. “We know those cameras aren’t cheap, and our adapter provides a more secure mount than a hook-and-loop fastener on the helmet crown.”
All items are available on TeamWendy.com with select variations also available on Amazon.
NFM has launched an entirely new helmet at Milipol. Although it incorporates numerous innovations, it remains compatible with common ear pro systems and offers a lightweight NVG Shroud.
Developed in conjunction with Final Forge, the goal was to take as much weight off of the helmet as possible. One of the most pronounched things you will notice about Hjelm is that there are no continuous rails attached to the helmet.
Instead, they’ve introduced an Edgemount Attachment System which allows the user to attach items only where necessary, much like M-LOK does for weapons. In fact, they even have an M-LOK adapter, along with others. The reverse side of the Edgemount Attachment System also offers a guide for rounding cables on the inside of the helmet. The grid-like pattern on the shell is called Helmet Attachment System Pattern and replaces the Velcro used on my other helmets. HASP is lighter than Velcro and won’t wear out from adds ing and removing items. Instead, this web of high strength composites is used as a base to attach accessories, including camouflage materials.
Naturally, they’ve also reduced weight on the shell itself, but you’ll have to contact NFM for exact ballistic capabilities. NFM also improved fit by introducing four different sizes and two different widths to better accommodate different head shapes.
The Skullplate Liner system improves breathability due to its lower profile suspension and also provides better impact protection during rotational impacts thanks to Koroyd welded tubes which serve as crumple zones.
The new chinstrap actually buckled at the rear, just above the nape of the neck, on either side of the adjustment dial. This moves buckled away from the chin meaning the helmet can be worn with masks whether the strap is worn on or below the chin.
At the Milipol Expo later this month in Parais, NFM is launching a new helmet line called, naturally enough, Hjelm.
Conceived by Josh Jackson (SWAT-LEO) at LMS Defense, with input from other SWAT-team leaders and active-duty special operations soldiers, 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.
“We wanted to develop a no compromises mounting solution that allowed our customers to mount one light and use it for all their needs” said Andrew Frazier, CEO of Thyrm, “ and it’s been great to see initial production units already in use with both elite law enforcement and military personnel across the globe.”
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
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
Gentex has been doing business for an amazing 125 years! To celebrate, they displayed some of their early helmets at AUSA.
This Marine Corps Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet dates from 1963 a s the Navy flight helmet next to it dates from 1951. They rounded out the display with their latest designs for SOCOM.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Oct. 14, 2019 – Each day, thousands of military and police forces across the world rely on cutting-edge protection to keep them safe. When it comes to equipping these service members with helmets, decision makers look for ballistic protection they can count on, as well as designs that deliver the right fit, comfort and weight for each end user’s mission and operational environment.
Today, Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, announces new options for decision makers with the availability of its 3M™ Ballistic Helmet F70. The F70 delivers a high level of protection at a light weight that far exceeds conventional (ACH) ballistic helmet specifications. The helmet geometry creates a comfortable and modular design that is well suited for a wide range of missions and includes a novel no thru-hole construction for mounting the NVG shroud, retention system and rails. The elimination of thru-holes increases the shell’s effective protection area, reduces overall system weight by up to 31% (compared to the finished shell of an ACH helmet) and eliminates the risk of bolts becoming secondary projectiles during ballistic events.
The 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 provides V50 fragmentation protection against 17-grain (.22-caliber) fragment-simulating projectile (FSP) at greater than 2,760 feet per second (greater than 840 meters per second). The ballistic shell weight starts at 1.52 pounds in the high-cut version and 1.75 pounds in the mid-cut version. This line of light-weight helmets meets or exceeds all U.S. Army Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) ballistic fragmentation requirements for 2-grain, 4-grain, 16-grain and 64-grain RCC, and 17-grain FSP when tested in accordance with MIL-STD662F.
In addition to the F70, the 3M ballistic helmet portfolio includes the 3M™ L110 and N49 offerings. Designed for military combat operations and counterterrorism police missions, the Combat II L110 helmet can help protect service members from bomb fragmentations, certain rifle projectiles, handgun bullets and blunt impacts. The helmet provides protection against select small-arms projectiles including V50 ballistic limit value greater than 2,400 feet per second (greater than 731 meters per second) against the 7.62 x 51 mm M80 NATO ball projectile.
The Ultra Light Weight Ballistic Bump Helmet N49 is the first multi-use helmet for bump and ballistic operational requirements. At just over one pound (shell weight, size L), the N49 is the lightest helmet to provide ballistic fragmentation and blunt impact protection. It provides V50 protection against 17-grain (.22-caliber) FSP at greater than 2,200 feet per second (greater than 670 meters per second) when tested in accordance to STANAG 2920.
“Having a wide range of choices is critical, as ballistic protection and mobility requirements differ for each end user,” said Terry Griffith, defense business manager, 3M Advanced Materials Division. “But with all the different helmet options available in the marketplace – and the varying information about them – it can be a struggle to compare them and evaluate which one best meets the requirements. Identifying the performance-to-weight ratio of different helmets can bring clarity to this decision-making process.”
A performance-to-weight ratio is calculated by identifying the V50 ballistic resistance against the 17-grain .22-caliber FSP, then dividing it by the helmet shell aerial density. 3M understands the value and supports the use of this ratio to give decision makers a consistent means of comparing helmet choices.
3M will discuss the performance-to-weight ratio and showcase its portfolio at booth 2442 at the UASA 2019 Annual Meeting and Exposition, October 14-18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/ballistichelmets.
