O P Tactical, who recently opened a brick and mortar store in Raleigh, NC as well as their longstanding online store are now carrying Agilite’s latest Ops Core helmet covers and other new Agilite gear.
Designed and manufactured in Holon, Israel, the FAST helmet covers, including the new Raptor are sized individually for Ops Core Polymer and Ops Core Ballistic versions and include many unique features. See sizing details here.
CENTRAL LAKE, MI, September 13, 2017 – Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, is proud to announce that the U.S. Marshals Service has awarded the Company a contract to outfit Officers in the Western District of Virginia with its latest helmet innovation, the Busch AMP-1 TP ballistic helmet certified to the VPAM standard.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is the primary federal agency charged with conducting fugitive investigations throughout the country. The agency regularly works in concert with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sex offenders, and has established task forces throughout the nation to facilitate the apprehension of fugitives.
“We are honored to support this crucial branch of Federal Law Enforcement and stand ready to service their requirements,” stated David Jones, Director of Federal Sales. “We worked to ensure they have the most reliable, high-performance head gear. The Armor Express team understands the enormous danger that USMS officers face when dealing with the most violent fugitives and offenders, and having state-of-the-art protective equipment is of critical importance. We look forward to growing our partnership through the development and delivery of life-saving armor solutions that enable our men and women in uniform to do their job and return home safely.”
Introduced in early 2017, the Busch PROtective AMP-1 TP helmet is certified to VPAM (HVN-2009), the Gold Standard of ballistic testing within Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and brings first rate protection to tactical law enforcement, anti-terror and specialized police officers who may be exposed to close quarter combat and increased risk of being shot within the head region. The helmet is constructed of a multi-layered aramid composite, using a patented EBSP method – a unique production technique that creates elite ballistic capabilities previously attainable only in Titanium helmets.
Weighing an average of 3.6 pounds, the AMP-1 TP is able to stop ballistic threats as close as .78” from the edge and multiple shots on a small surface area. Its increased edge and multi-impact capabilities enhance the helmet’s protective area by up to 50%, compared to standard ballistic helmets. For the risk of taking multiple hits at close range, another key protective element is the helmet’s ability to transfer and dissipate energy around its shell, thereby reducing blunt force trauma. The helmet’s EBSP process counters this threat, thereby significantly reducing the energy transfer to the skull to less than 25 joules. VPAM’s extremely high testing requirements measure back-face deformation, ensuring when the helmet is hit by an incoming round, there is minimal energy transferred from the helmet shell to the user’s head. Further, the AMP-1 TP offers high fragmentation protection of more than 2,034 f/s, according to STANAG 2920.
The helmet comes with a unique rail-system with speed-connect system (SCS) technology, advanced protective padding system certified to the EN 397 (impact/shock attenuation standard), wheel dial for ultimate uni-sizing flexibility, and protective bag. The ‘uni-size’ feature is instrumental, helping departments with typical limited budgets to remove the cost of having to purchase multiple units based on individual fit. The special rail-system with speed-connect system (SCS) gives the wearer even more tactical and modular protective capability. The modular protective visors with varied protection levels (Blunt Impact, Fragmentation, or 9mm/44Mag) can be added/removed from the helmet within seconds, without ever having to take off the helmet – providing the benefit of always being protected. Additional accessories include the NVG 3-hole shroud, helmet cover (black or green color), helmet Velcro kit, helmet counter weight kit, visor protective cover and side-rail adaptor. The AMP-1 TP helmet comes in black, green and sand colors.
For more insights on the Busch AMP-1 TP helmet, along with all soft and hard armor solutions, visit the Armor Express website at www.armorexpress.com.
In collaboration with the US Air Force, Revision has been working on a vest for Joint Terminal Attack Vest. In particular, they’re concentrating on a baseline which Airmen can customize, based on individual needs. The base armor vest is a modified Crye Precision AVS and Revision is working on the power and data management. One of example of what you’ll see is a series of apps to control the various components and human interface.
Additionally, Revision ran me through their work on the next generation of headborne systems through the introduction of Sensys. Look for additional details soon.
DSEI is the official introduction of the new Ops-Core FAST SF (for Special Operations Forces) ballistic and non-ballistic (carbon) helmets as well as accessories by Gentex.
While they look similar to the Maritime (MT) helmet you’re already familiar with, the only component which is the same is the chin strap.
First off, the new Vented Lux Liner offers 360 deg impact protection. It integrates Vent Holes and a channel for headborne comms which is accessible when you remove the comfort pads. Each helmet comes with three different thicknesses of pads (1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″) to allow the wearer to customize the fit.
The new fit band conforms to inner edge of the impact liner allowing the wearer to remove his helmet and still wear comms, unlike the old configuration which required the comms headband to fit between the helmet’s fit band and Lux Liner.
Ops-Core has also introduced a new Universal Nape Pad, referred to as the “whale tail”. The more surface area in a liner, the more comfortable and stable the fit, because it contacts the head in more places. Additionally, it eliminates hot spots. My experience trying the helmet on is that you don’t rely as much on the chin strap for stability.
The new Ballistic Shell reduces helmet weight by 12% over the FAST MT, yet with the same ballistic performance (SOCOM Maritime standard which is Frag resistance plus 9mm at 1200fps). The Appliqué also offers SOCOM-level protection.
Both the carbon and ballistic FAST SF helmets are available with the super high cut which gives you about 1/2″ more space around the ears for comms.
There’s also a new Velcro pattern for both helmets and the vent hole shapes are new on the carbon helmet. This new Velcro pattern is one-size-fits-all. These shapes also offer a low-signature on thermal cameras compared to the old, block shapes. One interesting feature is that the rear Velcro is designed specifically for use with the MOHOC camera.
There’s a new Modular Bungee Shroud which features bungees which come off of the bracket. The new machined Aluminum insert can be removed from the front which allows use of different NVGs without replacing the entire shroud.
You’ll also notice entirely new rails called Super High Cut Skeleton ARC rails. Not only are they lighter, but also more useful. They’ve integrated zip tie holes for cable management along with a slot for counterweights and battery packs. Underneath the rail is the ARC Shim which offers room to attach accessories without taking up rail space. Now, accessories integrate into the ARC, rather than in the slot.
The Low-Profile Mandible snaps into the shim and features fore/aft adjustment as well as a pivoting, vented mouth guard. Additionally, although not shown, there’s a two-piece ballistic appliqué for the Carbon helmet. This design is to leave room for a battery pack, when needed.
The Step In Visor offers a mid point between spectacle and goggle. It leverages the edge of the helmet and can be worn night and day, including with NVGs. The Step In Visor will fit all helmet sizes thanks to the attachment adjustment. Also, the edge gasket can be pulled away when not needed. The replaceable lens is also coated for anti-scratch and anti-fog. Initially, they are offering a clear lens but will soon introduce transition and high contrast lenses.
Although there is a helmet cover available, they did not have one to show at DSEI.
One final point, Ops-Core plans to integrate these upgraded accessories into the other lines but all of the components are backward compatible with all FAST MT, XP and LE as well as the Lightweight Ballistic Helmet.
The FAST SF helmets are available now and accessories will be rolled over the coming months for those of you who want to upgrade your current helmet.
Visitors to this year’s DSEI exhibition can experience first-hand two new ultra-lightweight ballistic helmets, being launched by the Composite and Defence business of Morgan Advanced Materials.
The AC912 and AC913 are new additions to Morgan’s acclaimed Lightweight Armoured Soldier Architecture (LASA) range, and the result of Morgan’s world-leading expertise in advanced ballistic composite technology. While both models have been specially designed to be lighter than their AC914 and AC915 counterparts, they retain impressive ballistic, fragmentation, flammability and blunt trauma characteristics, ensuring maximum manoeuvrability without compromising on protection. The helmets are highly suitable for elite and regular military, defence, security and law enforcement personnel operating in protracted combat scenarios. The AC912 and AC913 helmets come with D3O TRUST® padding and Team Wendy’s CAM-FIT™ retention systems as standard, delivering maximum comfort and stability to the wearer.
Designed as a standard issue solution for combat operations, the AC912, weighing just 1.18kg (medium helmet) is a full cut helmet that covers the ears for greater protection. By contrast, the AC913, weighing just 1.05kg (medium helmet) features a high-cut design to ensure enhanced situational awareness for end-users, allowing elite police and special forces to remain fully alert to potential threats and dangerous situations. Both helmets can be upgraded to include lightweight open architecture slide rails, bungees and a shroud for mounting tactical accessories, helping users to gain the upper hand in combat.
James Kempston, Director of Business Development – Composites and Defence Systems, explains: “For decades, advanced composite technology from Morgan has played a vital part in ensuring that military and law enforcement personnel are fully protected in the line of fire. Our new helmets continue to provide high levels of protection, combined with extraordinary low weight properties. The AC912 and AC913 have been developed to enable defence and security personnel to remain safe against a diverse range of threats.”
For further information on the AC912 and AC913 helmets, please visit: www.morgandefencesystems.com/AC912 and www.morgandefencesystems.com/AC913.
Alternatively, please visit DSEI 2017 stand S5-265, where the helmets will be on display.
US Patent 9,743,701 has been issued for Team Wendy’s popular Cam-Fit retention system. The Cam-Fit is very popular due to its ease of use as well as fit, comfort, and load balance. The system is used in Team Wendy’s EXFIL line of helmets as well as sold as a plug-and-play system for most common ballistic helmets. In fact, you may notice that the helmet shell in the drawings is a Crye Precision AirFrame.
Knockoffs of the system have recently surfaced. No doubt these will now be in Team Wendy’s crosshairs.
Check out Revision’s new video on their Caiman helmet system.
The story:
In the quiet before the storm: kitting up for the job ahead. Snapping into a toughened persona. Clearing and centering your mind. Mission concentration takes effect. Time slows. Heart rate drops, blood pressure cools to a simmer, hands are firm and steady. Reminders of the reason you sacrifice stashed away for safekeeping upon your return. Connect with the team, sync up. Every contingency accounted for. Boots on, vest strapped on, weapons check, all gear ready. Everything snaps into focus. Confidence and training takes hold. Routine and muscle memory kick in. Your mind’s eye visualizing the mission step-by-step, executed precisely from start-to-finish. Dialed-in. It’s time; mission’s a go. No turning back. Helmet on. No hesitation.
When you trust your gear, you have the confidence to conquer. Revision’s Batlskin Caiman Helmet is the last piece you don before wheels-up, the crucial equipment that means it’s game time. Once it’s on, you’re ready for the mission at hand. No matter the pace, no matter the obstacles, your determination to triumph is red-lining.
Visit this link for more info, www.revisionmilitary.com/caiman.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Successful implementation of new body armor technology requires more than just engineers designing prototype systems in a lab. Feedback from Soldiers who will be using the technology is critical to ensuring that the U.S. Army continues to field world-class technology for its fighters.
The new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) is configured with mandible and visor without ballistic applique for “Rough Terrain” static line parachute jump operations. (Photo Credit: Rebecka Waller, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
Recently, Airborne Soldiers here played a vital part in the feedback process when they recently jumped with a groundbreaking new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) during operational testing.
Soldiers from the 57th Sapper Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, geared up to work with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate to test the new armor.
1st Lt. Christopher Lillie, assistant jumpmaster with the 57th Sapper Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, wears the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) helmet with mandible, while shouting commands to position the number one jumper in the door of a C-17 aircraft. (Photo Credit: Barry Fischer, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
“Operational Testing is about Soldiers. It is about making sure that the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight,” said Col. Brad Mock, director of ABNSOTD.
The IHPS is one of the six components of the Soldier Protection System (body armor), providing a larger area of protection for the head and face, and includes a system to measure head trauma.
Soldier configured with the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) without the mandible, while wearing combat equipment. (Photo Credit: Rebecka Waller, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
According to Leon L. Price, a test officer with ABNSOTD, the purpose of operational test using Airborne paratroopers is to collect data to evaluate the suitability and safety of the IHPS when worn during static line Airborne operations.
Overall, IHPS is only a little lighter than the current Army Combat Helmet, while including numerous accessories, like a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and a modular ballistic applique (not attached during airborne operations).
Soldier configured with the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) with the mandible, while wearing combat equipment. (Photo Credit: Rebecka Waller, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
During the test, Soldiers participated in New Equipment Training, which included familiarization, fitting, and suspended harness. All this was followed by a live parachute jump from a C-17 high performance aircraft at 1,250 feet above ground level over Fort Bragg’s Sicily Drop Zone.
“I gave fair, honest and comprehensive feedback on the IHPS helmet,” said Cpl. Samuel Emling, a Combat Engineer with the 57th. “I enjoyed the testing. The test personnel were extremely professional.”
Soldiers from the 57th Sapper Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, exit a C-17 aircraft over Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while performing operational testing wearing the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS). (Photo Credit: Jim Finney, Combined Technical Services, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
“Soldiers and test units have the ability to impact the development of systems by training while executing doctrinally-realistic missions, and then provide direct input to the combat developer of the system,” said Lt. Col. Vinny Intini, executive officer at ABNSOTD. “Their feedback is invaluable.”
Test Manager Steve McNair, of Program Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, said the Army is expected to field 7,000 systems to separate brigades during fiscal year 2018 before moving to full rate production for fielding across the force.
“I think I benefitted personally by doing this,” said Spec. Aaron Adams, another Combat Engineer with the 57th. “It helps me with being comfortable jumping with new equipment. I enjoyed participating in the testing because we were the only Airborne unit to do so.”
Soldiers participate in suspended harness training to ensure the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) is suitable when performing canopy control and emergency procedures during operational testing. (Photo Credit: Michael Zigmond, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
“OTC is the U.S. Army’s only independent operational test organization,” Mock added. “Any time Soldiers and their leaders get involved in operational testing, they have the opportunity to use, work with, and offer up their own suggestions on pieces of equipment that can impact development of systems that future Soldiers will use in combat.”
“Operational testing is OTC’s opportunity to contribute to readiness; anything less compromises the Army’s ability to provide the forces that fight and win the Nation’s wars,” added Intini.
Bobby Salazar, from Program Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, discusses proper fitting of the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) during New Equipment Training. (Photo Credit: Michael Zigmond, Audio Visual Production Specialist, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command)
The U.S. Army Operational Test Command is based at West Fort Hood, Texas, and its mission is about making sure that systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight. Test units and their Soldiers provide feedback, by offering input to improve upon existing and future systems with which Soldiers will ultimately use to train and fight.
The Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based ABNSOTD plans, executes, and reports on operational tests and field experiments of Airborne and Special Operations Forces equipment, procedures, aerial delivery and air transportation systems in order to provide key operational data for the continued development and fielding of doctrine, systems or equipment to the Warfighter.
