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Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

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Thursday, January 18th, 2024

Galvion Introduces E.D.G – a Headborne Power and Data Distribution and Management System

Thursday, January 18th, 2024

Galvion, a world leader in power and data management solutions and innovative head protection systems, is introducing E.D.G™ (Energy Data Grid; pronounced “edge”), a modular and scalable power and data distribution and management system for headborne accessories. The introduction coincides with Shot Show 2024 taking place in Las Vegas, USA, 23-26 January 2024, where Galvion will be exhibiting E.D.G, alongside their other products, on Booth 32003.

Galvion’s E.D.G headborne system has been developed in response to the continuing and escalating power and data needs of the warfighter. Developed over multiple years, the scalable power solution was first introduced on Galvion’s PDxT™ helmet platform to meet the operational needs of the United States Marine Corps as a part of the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). Designed through an iterative development cycle, incorporating real-time feedback from USMC trials throughout the process, the E.D.G system represents a critical step in transitioning from a protective ‘helmet’ to an ‘integrated helmet system’ that enhances lethality and survivability. In response to similar operational needs across multiple global customers and end-users, the E.D.G system will be available for Galvion’s flagship Batlskin Caiman® head system, and when released for full production, the flexible and scalable power system can be retrofitted to a fielded helmet or delivered as a fully assembled helmet system.

The E.D.G system includes the Base Power Pack, powered by a single CR123 battery, and an attachable Extended Power Pack that accommodates a minimum of two and up to six AA batteries, boosting power availability and delivery when needed, but removeable to lighten the load when not.

The system also features a battery-powered strobe and VAS connection point, ready for emerging technologies like AR and VR. It features an independent task light and evolved rails with integrated cable management and storage. An innovative feature of this system is the state-of-charge indicators on the Extended Power Pack, also viewable in the NVG display, ensuring operators know how much power they have available at all times.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “We are heavily invested in preparing our military and tactical teams to meet the ever-evolving technology and equipment demands of the modern battlefield. We work with tier 1 customers every day and see the challenges coming with the proliferation of headborne accessories and capabilities. Managing their power and data needs is a critical part of that. The E.D.G system represents a united effort across Galvion’s power & data, industrial design, human performance, and head systems teams to develop a user-focused solution, and we’re excited to introduce this capability to our global customer base.” He added: “With more and more of our Caiman® helmets out in the field, this retrofittable power system represents an upgrade path for existing systems or is of course available on a fully kitted new head system. We’re also excited about the future opportunity to include E.D.G in our NSPA framework contract so our multiple NATO customers can more easily access this technology and capability”.

NFM Opens the Hjelm Lounge

Monday, December 4th, 2023

NFM has created an online lounge for all things Hjelm.

Content includes some very cool Video & Animation, Tales & Insights, and the Hjelm Catalog.

nfm.no/hjelm4gen

4DT SOF Cap

Friday, December 1st, 2023

4DT recently released the SOF Cap, a soft mount for visual augmentation systems where bump or ballistic protection isn’t required. You may recall that it was mentioned by Galvion in their press release regarding the strategic partnerships of their BATLCHK offerings.

I’ve had a prototype for a couple of months but mine doesn’t have a chinstrap and was designed to be used without one. Believe it or not, with a counterweight I can cinch it down so that my bino NVGs don’t pull forward on my head thanks to Galvion’s dial fit band technology. That means when you do use a removable chinstrap, you don’t have to crank it down to attain stability. It feels more like wearing a hat than a helmet but you can add a crowned in addition to the chinstrap if you want.

Made from mesh material to facilitate ventilation, it’s available in Black, Ranger Green, MultiCam and ATACS Ghost.

The SOF Cap is also fitted with both the 4DT Low Profile Shroud and 4DT SECURE Tether Bungee System and they are available as accessories to modify helmets you currently have.

The Low Profile Shroud sits 3/8” closer to the face of the helmet than an L4 shroud. Construction is a High-Impact Polymer shroud with an Aircraft Grade Hard Anodized Aluminum insert.

The SECURE Tether Bungee System features locking mini carabiner attaching points that won’t disengage if you bump into something.

NFM Hjelm HC 160F & HC 120MT Helmet Data

Tuesday, November 28th, 2023

During the Recent Milipol Paris exposition, Norwegian soldier systems manufacturer NFM released two new versions of their 4th generation ballistic helmet called Hjelm which is the Norse word for helmet.

The HC 160F & HC 120MT replace previous models. Utilizing their FREC-2 pressing technology, the HC 160F is the lightweight option while the HC 120MT offers protection from a wider range of threats. Below is the tech data.

HJELM 4th Generation HC 160F

Aerial density: 4.9 kg/m2

HJELM 4th Generation HC 120MT

Aerial density: 6.7 kg/m2

In addition to the new ballistic shell options, the Hjelm Helmet System continues to incorporate several innovative features.

Edgemount Attachment System – Rather than permanently attached rails, the Edgemount uses hardware to attach just that enabler to the edge of the helmet.

HASP – The Helmet Attachment System Pattern replaces the stationary Velcro loop found in most helmets with a structural web of high-strength composites that provide a stronger and more reliable system throughout the shell exterior. In addition to camouflage, enablers can be attached to HASP.

Koroyd – The Koroyd impact protection system uses core tubular technology which absorbs most energy by creating crumple zones. In addition to being lightweight, Koroyd also allows for ventilation within the helmet.

The Hjelm Helmet System is offered in Coyote Brown, Raven Black, and Helhound Grey.

By Eric Graves
Editor

Beez Combat Systems SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover

Monday, November 20th, 2023

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover reduces the VIS (physical visual), UV, NIR and thermal signatures (6µm ~ 15µm, high end of MWIR, LWIR, FIR) of the individual to help avoid being observed and/or targeted by ground-based detection, sUAS, and UAS near-peer threats.

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover uses complex, next-generation engineering to accomplish the unimaginable: multispectral signature reduction for the individual war fighter against real world thermal and night vision technology, while simultaneously providing a 3D visual breakup.

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover is another piece of the SPECTRALFLAGE camouflage system designed to reduce thermal signature around the head, face, and neck.This is the next evolution in advanced thermal mitigation for the end user. New threats on the battlefield require new solutions as advanced thermal detection and aiming devices rapidly evolve.

Made with the most advanced military grade A-TACS camouflage patterns the Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover provides physical 3D visual breakup, granting the end user the most advanced concealment solution primarily designed for urban, desert, and open environments.

Fitting on Mid/High/Fast cut helmets, the Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover is easy and fast to deploy, as well as small enough to fit into a pocket or small pouch.

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover is the next advancement in concealment technology. On the battlefield of today, tomorrow, and the future; multispectral concealment is the way.

For additional information and availability – Beez Combat Systems

Sneak Peek – SPECTRALFLAGE Helmet Cover from Beez Combat System

Thursday, November 16th, 2023

We are told the new SPECTRALFLAGE HELMET Cover from Beez Combat Systems should hit the street early next week.

MKU Limited Launches Kavro Doma 360, a 5 Zone Rifle Protective Helmet at Milipol

Wednesday, November 15th, 2023

MKU Limited just unveiled the Kavro Doma 360 at Milipol Paris, the first rifle protective helmet with five zone protection (top and four side quadrants).

Seen here is Manesh Khandelwal, Director of R&D at MKU Limited.
Designed to protect against AK-47 MSC, M80 NATO BALL, and M193 bullets at muzzle velocity and has been tested to defeat five rounds in the five zones of the head (front, back, left, right, crown) without the need of add-on armour.

It is also a boltless design, avoiding the compromise of holes cut in the helmet. The back face deformation for 7.62 x 39mm MSC at 710 +15m/s from 10 meters is just 20mm and the Kavro Doma 360 integrates a new Advanced Harness System with Dynamic Impact Technology to deal with the energy form impacts as well as daily comfort. And not just straight impacts, but also rotational/angular impacts which are known to cause concussions or brain injuries. In addition, it comes with a top-to-chin (longitudinal) and side-to-side (lateral) harness adjustment functionality for highest stability and a snug fit.

The helmet is offered in full, mid and high cuts to accommodate the needs of all users and the integration of communications headsets. The weight starts at 1.45 kg for a full cut helmet in small. While not the lightest helmet on the market, you have to consider the five zone protection in your calculation which was added based on lessons learned from the Ukrainian conflict.

Finally, the Kavro Doma 360 features the Modular Accessory Connector System or MACS. This rail system accepts mounted accessories all as a counterweight at the rear in addition to the night vision shroud at the front. Due to its modular nature, MKU engineers are working to add power and data to MACS.

In a press release from MKU, Managing Director, Mr. Neeraj Gupta says, “Our commitment to our heroes has been unwavering since we first got into soldier protection. The Doma 360 is the culmination of 5 years of relentless R&D and the uncompromising resolve to develop this for forces globally. All of us at MKU are filled with emotion, because we have finally been able to take it to the world.”

Although headquartered in India MKU Limited also has operations in Germany and UAE.