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Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category
There’s a Reason Tankers Refer to Dismounts as “Crunchies”
Thursday, April 13th, 2017Velocity Systems Obtains a United States Patent for their Versatile Protective Helmet Appliqué Assembly
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Dulles, VA – April 11, 2017 – Velocity Systems, a provider of high performing armor solutions, has been granted a second patent regarding the Versatile Protective Helmet Appliqué. The Versatile Protective Helmet Appliqué Assembly permits a helmet wearer to upgrade the ballistic prevention capabilities of a traditional helmet quickly and efficiently. The helmet appliqué can be provided as part of a helmet appliqué system and/or assembly that includes internal-side connection means for attaching to a helmet and external-side connection means for receiving any of various external items such as identification tags, mounts and external equipment or attachments. The appliqué element can comprise various types of material, including, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
The first helmet appliqué patent acknowledges a cutout for a night vision google mount and goggles. The second patent takes the innovative principle of the first patent a step further to include multiple helmet appliqué elements employed on the same helmet. This includes surfaces and portions that are cooperatively engageable for covering multiple areas of the helmet at the same time. Velocity Systems is committed to focusing on R&D efforts to continue to develop innovative lifesaving products. For further information about the Versatile Protective Helmet Appliqué Assembly Patent please email info@velsyst.com. *United States Patent Number 9,557,144 and 9,222,758
Revision SOF Helmet In Action
Sunday, April 9th, 2017Interesting to see one of the Revision Military Family of Tactical Headborne Systems submissions for USSOCOM’s Next Generation Helmet program, out in the wild.
KUWAIT – Elite military special operations forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the U.S. conducted a simulated rapid response to the hijacking of the motor tanker, or oil tanker, the Hadiyah, April 3, in Kuwait territorial waters.
Special forces teams from the GCC, and U.S. Naval Special Warfare and rigid-hull inflatable boat teams simulated an air and sea-borne rapid insertion, search and seizure of the occupied tanker and its hijackers, and the safe release of the tanker crewmen.
The raid was a cumulative joint exercise that tested the participants’ tactical skills and abilities to operate cohesively in an operational mission with our GCC partner nations.
Exercise Eagle Resolve is the premier U.S. multilateral exercise within the Arabian Peninsula. Since 1999, Eagle Resolve has become the leading engagement between the U.S. and GCC nations to collectively address the regional challenges associated with asymmetric warfare in a low-risk setting.
This work, Elite Special Forces from GCC and U.S. simulate a raid on hijacked tanker [Image 1 of 74], by MSG Timothy Lawn, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.
Thanks DM!
PEO Soldier Talks About The Advanced Combat Helmet Gen II
Thursday, March 30th, 2017PEO Soldier held a press conference earlier today regarding the Advanced Combat Helmet Gen II fielding. Officiating the event was LTC Kathy Brown, PM Soldier Protective Equipment. She was assisted by APM, MAJ Brandon Motte.
From World War II until the 1980s, the US military relied on a stamped steel helmet with liner, commonly referred to as the “Steel Pot”.
It was replaced by the Personal Armor System, Ground Troops or PASGT. Its nickname was the ‘Kevlar’ after the material it was made from.
In the late 1990s, USSOCOM began to take advantage of new para-Aramid materials and embarked on a program called the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet. The helmet’s design was modified slightly to a more streamlined shell than the bulky PASGT and it was quickly adopted by the US Army as the Advanced Combat Helmet, in the early 2000s as active combat in the Middle East stepped up.
Right up front, LTC Brown told us that this is the greatest weight reduction we’ve ever seen in headborne protection. She went on to say , “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done here. Our soldiers and civilians are highly technically skilled.”
For both Large and XLarge the reduction is 24% over the legacy ACH, while for Medium and Small helmets, it is 21%. The average is 22%. For example, the XLarge legacy ACH is 3.88 lbs while the ACH Gen II in XL is 2.94 lbs, or a 24% weight reduction.
The goal of the upgrade program was to offer weight reduction with equal protection of the legacy helmet. They’ve definitely accomplished that mission.
Chief engineer Jacob Hopping said, “Reductions in weight mean more alert Soldiers.” The Legacy helmet is Kevlar, while the new ACH II is polyethylene which accounts for the weight reduction.
Along the way of fielding helmets, the US Army worked on a program with the US Marine Corps called Enhanced Combat Helmet which uses High Density Polyethylene to defeat rifle caliber threats. It’s currently used in high threat environments like Iraq, and is available via Rapid Fielding Initiative.
Additionally, the Army has access to ballistic appliqués which attach to the top of a helmet and offer full rifle caliber threat protection. Once again, these are only used in high threat environments.
The Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II looks almost identical to the ACH Soldiers have been wearing for 15 years, but it weighs 9 ounces to almost a pound less than the legacy helmet. The new helmet is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, a lighter material than Kevlar, but reportedly just as strong. (Photo Credit: Ron Lee, PEO Soldier)
The ACH Gen II is going to look very similar to your legacy ACH, just lighter. While the helmet will be issued in Tan 499/Coyote 498, rather than the Grey looking Foliage Green, there will continue to be a helmet cover and, when used, the ballistic appliqué can be hydrodipped in colors or camouflage patterns as needed.
Since Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support is handling this contract, the other services will also be able to requisition this helmet for their use via NSN. While the Army still hasn’t worked out a strict timetable on fielding of the ACH Gen II, it will be a one-for-one replacement of the legacy helmet and offer a full refresh of the Army’s head protection for both combat and training.
Jacob Hopping mentioned that, “In a few years, working with material developers and manufacturers, we’ll be able to maximize weight reduction and increase threat protection to optimize protection for the head.” While much work is being done with HDPE, he mentioned that perhaps the next Gen Kevlar may show even better protection.
LTC Brown said that this new capability is at the current limits of materials, but engineer Andy Meloni added that they’re not only only looking at materials, but new manufacturing processes are also under development. Andy Meloni supports the ACH II as a matrixed engineer from the Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center.
Ultimately, the Army is looking for a revolutionary leap in the performance-to-weight ratio of ballistic material but they see that as still a decade away. Until then, they’ll look at ways to integrate increased capability to current equipment.
Below is an article by the Army News Service which describe some this capability as well as some other armor technologies. (more…)
Spiritus Systems Lid Snake V2 Battery Cable Routing Tubes
Friday, March 24th, 2017
The Spiritus Systems Lid Snake V2 is a protective covering for night vision device power cables mounted to helmets. Essentially, Velcro backed, nylon tubes, it is a two-piece design to offer lots of real estate but is sized to be used as a single piece for flight helmets.
You route your cables through the snakes and it’s flexible so you can place the track of the cable where you need on the helmet, even inside the helmet.
The Lid Snake V2 is available in a variety of colors and patterns from TNVC.
Revision Awarded US Army Next-Generation ACH Contract
Tuesday, March 21st, 2017Essex Junction, Vermont (March 21, 2017) – Revision Military, the world leader in integrated head systems, has been awarded the U.S. Army’s Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II) helmet contract. This five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) helmet contract (W91CRB-17-D-0008), awarded on a full and open competition basis to Revision, has a maximum value of $98,111,803 and estimated completion date of March 6, 2022. Revision’s ACH helmet solution is up to 24 percent lighter than the legacy ACH helmet system and this contract represents the first large-scale, significant advancement in ACH technology in 15 years.
Since last contracted by the U.S. Army in 2012—when Revision delivered a total of 180,000 ACH helmets—Revision has invested millions of dollars in new manufacturing equipment and processes, research into the characterization and optimization of advanced ballistic materials, and in the building of a world-class team of scientists and engineers in order to evolve the Company’s capabilities. Additionally, since 2013, Revision’s Newport, Vermont facility—where helmets for this contract will be manufactured—has expanded by 16,000 sq. ft., and the number of employees that work at this facility has more than doubled. As a result of these ongoing investments, and the development of composite materials technological expertise, Revision was able to exceed the weight reduction requirements stipulated in the Army’s solicitation by a sizable margin: The ACH Gen II solicitation required a minimum 15 percent weight reduction compared to the current ACH helmet; Revision’s solution offers up to 24 percent weight reduction over the legacy ACH design, pushing the envelope of attainable weight reduction while maintaining superior ballistic protection.
Revision is dedicated to re-envisioning military head systems with integrated technologies that feature new, cutting edge materials, in a variety of designs and configurations, to exceed all customer requirements. With extensive knowledge of ballistics, electronics, optics, power, and other innovative technologies, Revision is a creative solutions provider, capable of designing and developing custom head protection solutions to meet the changing needs of global militaries.
“With this solicitation, PEO Soldier challenged the helmet industry, raising the technology bar substantially. Revision answered in a big way, dedicating significant resources to set a new standard for lightweight helmet design and performance,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO. “Revision has been a proud U.S. Army supplier since 2005, and our investment in this program epitomizes Revision’s unwavering dedication to forward-thinking head systems technology and manufacturing. In the years since Revision was last contracted by the U.S. Army, we’ve become a much stronger company and head systems technology innovator, securing helmet contracts around the world—including for the British Army’s VIRTUS program—and emerging as the vanguard of the U.S. helmet industry. We’re excited to provide this cutting-edge technology to troops in the field who will benefit greatly from the improved performance and significantly lower weight of this next-generation head system. In short, Revision has fully modernized the traditional ACH helmet, bringing this crucial equipment up to speed with the fast pace of modern warfare.”
“This was an intense competition that draws on the reliability and skill of Revision Military’s workforce in Vermont,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). “The quality of these helmets will protect soldiers from ballistic impacts, while also making them more comfortable with their up to 24% lighter build. Like all Vermonters, I am incredibly proud of the men and women at Revision Military Newport for their hard work and dedication, both of which greatly contributed to Revision being selected for this contract. In past visits to the facility, I have seen firsthand the commitment these employees have to their trade, a commitment depended on by the men and women of our Armed Forces.”
Over Revision’s history, the Company has delivered 1.1 million helmets to the U.S. military, with an additional 300,000 helmets internationally. Across all of these program deliveries, Revision has never received a single warranty claim for product malfunction or defect, has never had to recall a single faulty product, and has never failed a single Lot Acceptance or First Article test. Revision is also the most experienced and most knowledgeable Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) manufacturer in the industry. With robust design and development expertise, significant investment in efficient, high-volume manufacturing, and vertical integration, Revision stands ready to meet this U.S. Army’s demand, and will use the revenue generated through this program to continue to build capabilities and advanced innovations to benefit the U.S. military for years to come.
New liner system released for the EXFIL Carbon Helmet
Friday, March 17th, 2017CLEVELAND – Team Wendy has made updates to the EXFIL Carbon Helmet liner by implementing a new liner design based on the latest Revolve™ TPU liner system. This new design will improve the overall comfort and fit of the helmet and includes a removable center channel for improved communications headset compatibility. The updated liner will also provide the highest blunt force impact protection offered by tactical bump helmets.
Customers have a choice to order the Carbon helmet with either the new Revolve TPU liner or the Zorbium® foam liner.
The Carbon Helmet is available through TeamWendy.com and authorized Team Wendy dealers.
Learn more about the EXFIL® Carbon Helmet:
www.teamwendy.com/products/helmets-accessories/helmets/exfil-carbon
The Red Devils Jump with Ops-Core FAST Carbon Helmets and New Vented Liner Kit
Wednesday, March 15th, 2017
Carbondale, PA, March 15, 2017. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel announced today that its partners, The Red Devils , will conduct their team training and promotional jumps this month in California testing Gentex Corporation’s latest innovation, the Ops-Core Vented Lux Liner Kit .Designed for extended use, the new helmet liner will deliver increased comfort and fit in the Ops-Core FAST Carbon High Cut Helmets, which Gentex provides to each of the 12 members of The Red Devils, the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army.
“Gentex is proud to support The Red Devils in their mission to promote The Paras and the British Army, both long time customers of Gentex Corporation,” said Tom Short, vice president ground systems, Gentex Corporation. “Through this partnership we have the opportunity to help promote our common goal of advancing parachuting and skydiving safety, which the Ops-Core FAST Carbon Helmets and new Vented Lux Liner Kits are ideal for.”
Compatible with both the Ops-Core FAST and Bump Helmets, the Ops-Core Vented Lux Liner Kit employs vents and a more streamlined geometry than the standard Ops-Core Lux Liner for increased airflow, comfort, and a better fit, which are ideal for extended missions.Two retention systems are available with the kit: the Worm-Dial, which provides a quick adjustment in a low profile fitband, and the traditional H-Nape, which is designed to provide NVG stability.
Corporal Nathan Connolly, The Red Devils Team Leader, commented, “Our partnership with Gentex Corporation equips our team with the advanced Ops-Core helmet, allowing us to train and practice new canopy formations with a helmet that provides outstanding protection, and now added comfort and fit with the vented liner.In addition to its safety and comfort features, the Ops-Core helmet also enables us to maintain perfect all-round observation and clear voice communication; key components when practicing Canopy Relative Work.”
Joining The Red Devils during their training jump in California is guest jumper Chief Master Sergeant Christopher Kellam, (USAF, Ret). Kellam, also a retired detective from the Chicopee, MA police force, was invited to join the jump to help promote the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the U.S. Air Force who’s mission is to support Airmen and enhance the Air Force mission by relieving emergency financial distress, helping Airmen and their families achieve their educational goals, and improving their quality of life through proactive programs.
With its unique system design and rail technology for mounting helmet accessories, Ops-Core is today’s leading brand of modular, scalable, open-architecture helmet systems for elite defense and security forces. Ops-Core helmet system platforms and components are designed to seamlessly work together to provide true system level performance for modern forces.
