TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

3M Subsidiary Wins Contracts for Two US Army Soldier Protection Programs

Friday, November 4th, 2016

This is major news. The Integrated Head Protection System component of PEO Soldier’s next generation Personal Protective Equipment program called Soldier Protection System, has been in source selection quite awhile. Gentex and Revision also competed for this program. Congratulations to 3M Ceradyne!

Company will deliver next-generation lightweight helmets and body armor inserts for the Soldier Protection System

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nov. 1, 2016 – The U.S. Army has selected Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, as the awardee for two low-rate initial production (LRIP) contracts for next-generation helmet systems and hard body armor inserts as part of the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) and Vital Torso Protection (VTP) – Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) components of the Soldier Protection System (SPS).

The Army designed the IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. This helmet system includes numerous accessories, including a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and modular ballistic applique. The contract awarded to Ceradyne is valued at over $7 million for the delivery of more than 5,300 IHPS helmet systems. Production is expected to start in 2017.

The VTP will equip soldiers with lighter-weight body armor inserts. The $36 million contract is for the production of more than 30,000 ESAPI, with production also expected to start in 2017. This VTP award is an addition to a previous $34 million award, for a total of $70 million on the VTP LRIP contract.

“We are honored to be the awardee of these prestigious contracts,” said Cheryl Ingstad, business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M. “The SPS program represents the highest level of lightweight technology to date. Our focus from the onset has been to meet the Army’s stringent specifications for the SPS, and that will continue as we move into initial production. As a leading science company, 3M has deep expertise in advanced lightweight materials, which, combined with our proven production history, differentiates our defense offerings.”

The SPS will replace the Army’s current personal protective equipment (PPE) system. It is designed to defeat current threats while providing an overall weight reduction for soldiers compared to existing PPE. Both the IHPS and VTP began as research and development programs with multiple contenders.

Ceradyne has delivered more than 120,000 enhanced combat helmets (ECH) to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps since 2014. The ECH offers the highest protection level of any helmet in the U.S. Armed Forces inventory, even protecting against certain small arms threats. Ceradyne has also delivered more than 2 million hard body armor inserts to the U.S. Armed Forces to date.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

Oakley – Snow Helmets

Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

The Oakley Snow Helmets which were unveiled early this year, are now available through OakleySI.com.

Under development for three years, the Mod 3 and Mod 5 helmets incorporate a modular brim system so the wearer can choose the correct interface to get a tight seal between helmet and goggle. Additionally, the chinstrap is magnetic, the liner is removable and it’s got a BOA fit system.

USSOCOM To Host Family of Tactical Headborne Systems Industry Day

Friday, October 14th, 2016

It’s full steam ahead for USSOCOM regarding development of a new helmet(s). On the heels of the final delivery of items developed under the Advancement Of Headborne Systems Technologies BAA effort, they will hold an industry Day for their planned Family of Tactical Headborne Systems.

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will conduct a briefing to Industry in support of the FTHS program. This Industry Day will occur on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, from 0800 to approximately 1700 at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), 15 General Greene Avenue, Natick, MA 01760.

Revision Military delivered their BAA prototypes first and unveiled the system during AUSA. Gentex previewed their system to us during Modern Day Marine. Both have some great features. 3M Ceradyne is said to also have participated in the project but no one in the booth at AUSA knew anything about their effort.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339999, with a Small Business size standard of 500 employees. Businesses with the following NAICS codes may also participate in the Industry Day: 339999, 314999, 326199, 315280, 39920, and 541712.

Interested parties must register. Visit www.fbo.gov for details.

United Shield International – SPEC OPS DELTA GEN II Helmet

Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

spec-ops-delta-helmet-gen-ii-side

United Shield International has just introduced the SPEC OPS DELTA GEN II helmet. The GEN II helmet shares the standard features of its predecessor, while featuring multiple improvements, including:

– New carbon fiber Integrated Components universal NVG mount, with a guaranteed ‘no rattle fit’

– Ultra Comfort Pad System, featuring pads with Phase Change performance technology that maintain comfort for the wearer in various environmental temperatures. The pads are also structured with a removable crown to accommodate comms, and are built to MilSpec standard by 4D Tactical, exclusively for United Shield International.

– Improved USI BOA Rapid Adjustment Dial, allowing for rapid tightening and loosening, with an added feature of tight and loose micro adjustment. The BOA also features a removable chin cup for ease of replacement and launder, or exchange for a gas mask strap.

us.unitedshield.com/index.php/portfolio-item/specopsdeltagenii

AUSA – Revision Military / Milliken

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Revision Military has developed an interesting thermal signature management shroud using the Milliken Conceal fabric.

It uses a magnetic interface to keep it in place around eyepro. They’ve also created internal standoff around the nose and mouth to suppress hot spots created from exhalation.

AUSA – Family of Tactical Headborne Systems from Revision Military

Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

At AUSA, Revision Military unveiled their new Family of Tactical Headborne Systems which they submitted in response to USSOCOM’s requirement for a Next-Generation Helmet Program. Seen below on a mannequin set up as a 21st Century SWCC Operator, the helmet is impressive.

The core of the system is a bump helmet which can be upgraded with an appliqué offering ACH-level 9mm ballistic performance. Below, you can see the system as it will most commonly be used.

Revision’s ballistic shell has approximately .5 lbs reduction in weight from the current helmet. The helmet is also upgradable to 7.62 rifle protection with a two piece appliqué. These photos depict how the appliqué attaches to the bump helmet.

In addition to the ballistic upgrades, Revision has instituted a five size approach versus the existing four currently available sizes. This results in a better fitting helmet.

Above, you can see the rear of the helmet.

In addition to the actual helmet, Revision has introduced several accessories which include:

Comfort ready liner with removable dial fit band

The removable dial fit band has been asked for by numerous users. The liner can be worn with integral over the head communications by removing the center set of pads as seen above, or the helmet’s rail can be fitted with rail adaptor Peltors.

Daytime visor (smoke/clear)

The visor mounts to the Night Vision Shroud.

Laser Enabled NVG Splash Shield

The Splash Shields attach to the NVGs and protect the eyes from debris and sea spray in a maritime environment.  Revision also offers laser protective versions of the Splash Shield.

Bump and ballistic swing away mandible guard

The madible’s buckle is located at the rail.  When disconnected, it swings out of the way.

Skeletonized rails for weight reduction

Notice the bungee for cable management.

www.revisionmilitary.com

AUSA – Team Wendy Transit Pack by Mystery Ranch

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

This is a sneak peek of a cool new helmet storage and transport bag from Team Wendy who partnered with Mystery Ranch.

The bag is operationally focused with stowable shoulder straps and PALS for those who want to attach it directly to a vest or other bag.


Inside are two modular zippered accessory pockets as well as a larger drawstring bag for NODs which can be nestled in the shell of the helmet for additional protection. The interior of the Transit Pack is Velcro loop which is not only soft against your kit but also allows the pouches to be attached wherever you want.


Look for the Team Wendy Transit Pack by Mystery Ranch at SHOT Show.

Revision Military Unveils Submission For SOCOM Next–Generation Helmet Program

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Tomorrow Revision Military will officially unveil its submission for USSOCOM’s Next–Generation Helmet Program, but you get a sneak peek here at SSD. If you’re attending AUSA be sure to stop by their booth and check it out.

Essex Junction, Vermont (October 3, 2016) – In July of this year, Revision Military, a world leader in head protection solutions, was awarded a development contract (H92222-16-R-0017) by the Department of Defense for their next-generation helmet platform program. Tomorrow, Revision will unveil its submission for this contract—Revision’s Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (FTHS). In fulfillment of the development contract, Revision has delivered several-hundred samples for testing.

Revision’s unique multipurpose helmet suite consists of Coastal Marine, Riverine, Ground Ballistic, and Ground Bump systems. Revision has also developed a new set of accessories that will be provided with the FTHS suite kits. These specially-designed accessories enhance the multiuse helmet systems for Boat, Vehicle, and HALO/HAHO, as well as mountain, river, and direct action operations.

The bump helmet Revision developed for the FTHS is the first bump helmet in the industry that can be can be ballistically-enabled with add-on armor, for blunt force and ballistic protection during specialty operations. This novel operational approach also reduces the neck load burden during highly dynamic operations while still providing the protection required to accomplish the mission. This, coupled with the skeletonization of all system components, has significantly reduced the overall weight compared to helmets on the market today.

“We can’t wait for the warfighter to get their hands on these helmets,” said Eric Hounchell, Vice President, Armor and Global Operations, Revision Military. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Revision, and this project continues to drive innovation within our Armor Business Unit. It’s a very aggressive program and I believe Revision has proven itself more than up to the challenge, building a full-suite, custom solution from the ground up. All of the significant resources at the company’s disposal were called upon to produce this cutting-edge helmet, resulting in a product that will give some of our country’s most elite forces the protection, versatility, and maneuverability they require for demanding operations. We firmly believe the solutions we’ve created here advance helmet technology as we know it.”

Revision was one of only three companies awarded a development contract. Revision will also be delivering several hundred systems to a third-party test lab to support witness testing. Overall, Revision’s FTHS also includes a headborne signature PSM (Personal Signature Management) package, blunt/ballistic mandibles, daytime visors, a NVG splash shield, and Revision’s new multilayer liner comfort system with a removable fit band and a concave shell design to support NVG use. Revision’s FTHS suite of products and accessories will be available commercially in 2017.

www.revisionmilitary.com