Agilite’s Mohawk AIR is a mesh variant of the Mohawk helmet cover designed for Ops-Core FAST helmets. It features a built-in central retention system for all manner of helmet-mounted gear, including NVD battery packs, IR devices, etc. Made in Israel.
agilitegear.com/collections/helmet-covers/products/mohawk-air-helmet-cover-multicam
The TW Exfil Helmet Counterweight Kit is attached via hook/loop and is additionally secured to side rails with included webbing (EXFIL Ballistic) or shockcord (EXFIL SAR). Includes fully coated lead weights.
Offered as Small (adustable up to 0.75lbs. using (3) 0.25lb. weights) or Large (adjustable up to 1.5lbs. using (3) 0.5lb. weights) in Black or Coyote.
store.teamwendy.com/exfil-counterweight-kit
Carbondale, Pennsylvania, March 23, 2015. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in integrated helmet systems for defense and security personnel, together with its U.K. subsidiary, Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd (HISL), will demonstrate their combined, industry leading line of aircrew helmet and respiratory systems at SAFE Europe (EU) Symposium, March 30th through April 1st in Munich, Germany. During the symposium, Gentex will also present its latest laser eye protection solutions for aircrew and share their expertise on the subject during a presentation.
In July 2014, Gentex acquired HISL to combine their world-class product lines, technologies, and manufacturing resources to provide customers with one of the most advanced, comprehensive lines of integrated helmet, respiratory, and communications systems on the market.
“We’re excited to present, for the first time to the European market, our combined, comprehensive portfolio of aircrew helmet and respiratory systems,” said Robert McCay, vice president, Gentex Aircrew Systems. “Gentex is dedicated to continuing and improving the ALPHA® line of aircrew products, and bringing a new level of capability and value to all our customers with the collective resources of Gentex and HISL.”
Also presented to the European market for the first time is the Gentex Dazzle Laser Defense Eyewear line. Designed for commercial pilots to combat the hazards of low-intensity lasers without compromising visual acuity, Dazzle Eyewear is available as visors for Gentex HGU-56/P and SPH-5® Rotary Wing Aircrew Helmet Systems and as spectacles to be worn with or without a flight helmet. Both formats are available in day and day/night versions, with all lenses designed to maintain see through color perception.
“The introduction of the Gentex Dazzle Laser Defense Eyewear line supports our commitment to developing the most advanced technology to improve aircrew protection and performance,” added McCay. “We’re honored to have been chosen by SAFE EU to provide our expertise during the symposium on laser eye protection, a growing concern for aircrew personnel worldwide.”
John Cueva, Gentex’s senior optical technologist and published optical product, patent, and innovation holder, was invited by SAFE EU to provide his expertise on laser eye protection and is scheduled to speak Wednesday, April 1st at 3:30 PM CET.
Gentex is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for military, law enforcement, and rescue aircrew worldwide. Their comprehensive line of durable and innovative products for fixed and rotary wing aircrew includes: modular, integrated helmet systems; protective visors and spectacles; high-altitude oxygen breathing equipment; communication and hearing protection systems; chemical/biological defense respirators for fixed wing aircraft; aircrew flight equipment test sets; and a full suite of accessories. Gentex also offers aircrew flight equipment servicing, fitting, and operations/maintenance training.
The joint display of Gentex and subsidiary, HISL, can be seen at stand number 2. Technical experts and executives from Gentex will be on hand to meet with customers and media throughout the show. To attend the Gentex presentation on laser eye protection, please visit the SAFE EU Symposium website. For more information on the Gentex Aircrew portfolio, visit www.gentexcorp.com/aircrew.
Last week I was invited to a small vendor show in the National Capital Region for Law Enforcement sponsored by US Tactical Supply.
In addition to offering a wide range of specialized equipment for Snipers, USTS can also provide custom Call Sign placards and IR reflective patches as well as marker lights as seen on this helmet.
Tactical Headgear for Operational Requirements (THOR) has been adopted by the Finnish Defense Forces as the helmet component of their Soldier Modernization Program: Warrior 2020. A multi-year contract was recently let by the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Command, with initial deliveries being used for acceptance testing. Savox is the prime contractor of the consortium behind THOR, along with industry partners, Millog Oy (night vision) and Fy-Composites Oy (ballistic protection).
The core of THOR is a boltless design ballistic helmet made from a Dyneema/Aramid blend providing protection against ballistic threats: fragments and bullets to STANAG 2920 1.1g FSP-v50: 450. 750m/s – back face deformation <25mm; NIJ0106.01 9 mm FMJ bullet 430m/s. The shell also meets EN 397 shock absorption requirements.
Additionally, special night vision goggles and hearing protection have been designed specifically to integrate with this helmet. As you can see in the photos, the NVGs stow very close to the helmet and are light enough to not need a counterweight. The goggles offer a 60°-wide view angle (also available is 40° FOV) and can be used in mono or bino configurations. These us Millog’s Hi60 3rd Gen tubes offering human recognition up to 150-250m as well as an integrated IR illuminator.
The various technologies developed specifically for the helmet are marketed under FLEXfamily.
For example, the FLEXfit ratchet system allows the rapid adjustment of fit for a wide variety of head types. Next comes FLEXadjust which covers the adjustable, multi-axis mounting systems for the NVGs and earpro. In addition to ANR headphones (23dB), the user can attach a boom or bone conductive skull microphone in addition to throat and internal respirator mic options. Like most systems currently fielded, power and volume adjustments are on the side via buttons. Additionally, the earphones can be placed in one of three positions without removing the helmet or losing communications.
FLEXnet is an integrated databus both internal and external to the helmet. This works hand-in-hand with the FLEXrail which allows the mounting of Picatinny compatible accessories to the powered rail system incorporating a USB integration interface. THOR features five of these FLEXrails which can bring data into the from cameras and sensors helmet as well as exfil it to other devices such as radios. These FLEXrails also incorporate FLEXpower which provides power to the devices as well as all accessories internally through the helmet.
TNVC had an exclusive Ops-Core Carbon FAST Helmet in their booth.
This helmet was painted at the factory in a MAS Grey shade. Coming soon to TNVC.
tnvc.com/shop/ops-core-fast-bump-shell
While Norotos is constantly working on new products, I got to check out two new items that I think you’re really going to like.
First up is the Low-Sto which is the lightest, most compact mount on market. While it wasn’t appreciably lighter than its predecessor, its small stature means that your NODs will sit closer to your head when in the up, or stowed position. In addition to its compact size, It also features their new adjustable breakaway which can be set via the screw head seen in the upper left of the mount in the photo. Set at 10 lbs from the factory, it is adjustable from 5-30 lbs of force.
Even cooler is this next item, one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” products. The Universal Shroud Light is available in Black, Tan or Coyote. Just like the name implies, it integrates six angled LEDs into the housing which work in two banks (two and four LEDs). On the model I looked at the bottom two were Blue and the upper four were White light but they can configure them how ever you need. The beauty here is that the light source goes wear you are looking so you don’t have to constantly adjust a beam or crane your neck like on a side mounted light.
Looking at the shroud, the top right recessed button activates the light function such as bottom two or top four. The left button controls intensity from 4% up to 100%. It is powered by a single AA battery which stows in the integrated compartment below the shroud. The shroud incorporates a smart battery sensor which blinks twice once the battery reaches 50% of used capacity and steps the intensity of the beam down. It does this until the battery is exhausted. With a AA battery on low setting it will run over 40 hours.
