TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

Revision Awarded US Army Next-Generation ACH Contract

Tuesday, March 21st, 2017

Essex 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.

www.revisionmilitary.com

New liner system released for the EXFIL Carbon Helmet

Friday, March 17th, 2017

CLEVELAND – 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.

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Customers have a choice to order the Carbon helmet with either the new Revolve TPU liner or the Zorbium® foam liner.

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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

Liner provides increased helmet comfort during month-long training and charitable jumps in California

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.

US Army Awards Revision Military $98M Contract For New Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II 

Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

The Department of Defense just announced a contract award to Revision Military for production of the new Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II. The helmet shares the same shape of the current issue ACH, but boasts a 24% weight reduction thanks to the use of Polyethylene materials.

Revision Military,* Newport, Vermont, was awarded a $98,111,803 firm-fixed-price contract for Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II), which includes the procurement of 293,870 production units. Bids were solicited via the Internet with five received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 6, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-17-D-0008).

Congratulations to our Soldiers who will be getting a lighter weight helmet and to Revision, for getting the chance to build them.

See Ops-Core & Gentex at the ADS Emerald Coast Warfighter Expo

Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

Enforce Tac – Busch Protective

Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

Busch Protective specializes in helmets and is exhibiting in the TACWRK booth. They make a full range of helmets but their bump helmet, the AMH-2 caught my eye. It’s EN 397 certified for shock attenuation and impact which is a European standard. They are also working on fire and Alpine certifications.

The shell is vented but they also offer a bump helmet without venting depending on the application. Their adjustable pad system consists of a soft comfort pad and foam impact cells. The system is removable and offers standoff for ventilation.


They offer one shell which fits from small – Xlarge and can be adjusted via a wheel at the rear.  However, they assured me they can accommodate really big craniums.


The rail system is standard and incorporates channels at the front to accept a removable riot visor (frag and ballistic visors also available).

www.busch-protective.com

TEAM WENDY’S Transit Pack By Mystery Ranch Is Now Available!

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

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CLEVELAND – Team Wendy is pleased to announce the release of the Team Wendy Transit Pack. A collaborative effort between Team Wendy and Mystery Ranch, the pack’s innovate design offers the user multiple ways to transport the bag as well as organize its contents.

The Transit Pack is available through TeamWendy.com and authorized Team Wendy dealers.

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Transit Pack: AT A GLANCE

Features:
• Durable design with padding on all sides to protect helmet
• Offers three ways to carry your bag:
o Shoulder straps
o Bag handle on top and side for hand-carry (can also be used to secure to vehicle)
o MOLLE on back of bag that can be attached to MOLLE panels on packs or elsewhere
• Clamshell opening gives access to the entire contents and creates two useable surfaces for kit layout
o Interior flap has Velcro for spare patches and loop mounted accessories
• Three moveable internal pockets that can be placed anywhere in the bag
o Two flat pockets for accessory items such as strobes, goggles, glasses, etc.
o One draw cord bag for NVGs or headset, stored under the helmet

ONLINE:
Learn more about the Team Wendy Transit Pack by Mystery Ranch:
www.teamwendy.com/products/helmets-accessories/parts-accessories/team-wendy-helmet-bag

VPAM-Certified Ballistic Helmets Now Available from Armor Express via Strategic Partnership with Busch PROtective

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017

New helmets represent the ultimate breakthrough in ballistic science and design, exceeding requirements for law enforcement, anti-terror and special ops units across the Americas

CENTRAL LAKE, MI, February 6, 2017 – Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, announced today that the Company has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with Germany’s Busch PROtective, to market its revolutionary ballistic helmets certified to the VPAM standard. Building on Armor Express’ strong heritage in innovation, these latest ballistic helmets are now commercially available to law enforcement officers across the Americas (North, South and Central America), who stand to benefit from an unprecedented level of protection.

“The new VPAM-certified ballistic helmets surpass current NIJ helmet testing levels of performance, creating an entirely new benchmark in head protection for today’s officers,” stated Steve Murphy, Tactical Channel Manager, Armor Express. “Working with the Busch PROtective team, we have determined the very best ballistic material and capabilities typically utilized by the most elite police and military allies around the world, were also the very best solutions for our law enforcement officers here in the U.S. We’re extremely excited about this partnership, being the first licensed distributor in North America to deliver these cutting-edge helmets to the men and women who deserve the highest-performing head protection on the market. In addition to VPAM-certification, the helmets have been independently tested against NIJ .06 Level IIIA threats, as well as special threats, surpassing some of the most stringent requirements of the NIJ Standard.”

Certified to VPAM, the Gold Standard of ballistic testing within Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the advanced helmets bring 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 AMP-1TP specifically, is the lightest and first composite (non-metal) helmet to achieve the certification through independent testing labs both in Europe and the U.S. 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-1TP is capable of stopping ballistic threats as close as .78” from the edge and multiple shots on a small surface area. The increased edge and multi-impact capabilities enhance the helmet’s protective area by up to 50%, compared to standard ballistic helmets. For officers at risk of taking multiple hits at close range, another key protective element is the helmet’s ability to transfer and dissipate energy around the helmet’s shell, thereby reducing back-face deformation/blunt force trauma. 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-1TP offers high fragmentation protection of more than 2,034 f/s, in accordance with STANAG 2920, the NATO testing standards for military ballistics protection and armor.

Commenting on today’s news, Matt Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Armor Express, stated, “We believe this is a disruptive technology in the marketplace that will transform the way the industry has addressed protection of officers in one of the most critical areas of their body – the head – particularly when this region comes under greater threat in certain hostile environments. It’s not only about stopping bullets; we looked extensively to find the right solution that safeguards against trauma to the head, and with Busch helmets, we believe we have found the best helmet technology the industry has seen.”


See how the VPAM-certified AMP-1TP helmet with patented EBSP technology (right) stacks up against a standard IIIA style ballistic helmet (left). Watch the comparison of three helmets on bullet impact by visiting www.armorexpress.com/busch.

Compared to other test standards, the VPAM protocol uses a more realistic ballistic testing aspect for close quarter combat threats. Unfortunately, most helmets used today by law enforcement and first response teams are more suited for military operations.

“We are thrilled to have Armor Express as our partner, as they have one of the strongest distribution networks throughout North America. Most importantly, they are a leader in innovation and have earned the trust of the law enforcement community,” stated Shammass Khan, International Sales Director, Busch PROtective. Together, I believe we will do great things and provide the most essential head protection that officers deserve.”


All helmets come with a unique rail-system with speed-system 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 especially instrumental, helping LE departments with typical limited budgets to remove the cost of having to purchase multiple units based on individual fit. 


The unique rail-system and its speed-system connector point (SSCP) gives the user even more tactical and modular protective capability. The modular protective visors (Impact, Fragmentation, 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-1TP helmet comes in black, green and sand colors.

www.armorexpress.com/busch