Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category
Looks Like Team Wendy Has Made That SAR Helmet A Reality
Wednesday, January 7th, 2015Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
Tuesday, January 6th, 2015Looking for an off-the-shelf climbing helmet in a color that won’t make you a target? Then you might want to check out the Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet in Cafe which is kind of a flat, dark tan.
Team Wendy SAR Helmets In Production
Friday, December 5th, 2014
Coming soon from Team Wendy.
This post is dedicated to the “I don’t need it, so it shouldn’t exist” crowd.
Sneak Peek – Team Wendy EXFIL SAR
Tuesday, October 28th, 2014
Awhile back Team Wendy started showing a prototype Search and Rescue helmet. Looks like it’s going to happen. Imagine offering SAR personnel the advantages of modern helmets…NVG shrouds and rail systems.
Wilcox Industries – Dual Powered Aviation Mount
Thursday, October 23rd, 2014We checked out the new DPAM at AUSA. It allows power directly from the mount or via the cable to a rear mounted battery box.
Newington, NH-Wilcox has designed a Dual Powered Aviation Mount (DPAM) for use by Aviators and crewman that offers an overall improvement to the current existing systems and integrates into a flight helmet. The DPAM mount works with the ANVS-6/9, F4949, F5050 and GPNVG night vision goggles.
This mount fully integrates into the currently used external batteries utilizing a standard 4-pin Lemo connector or can run off an internal 123A lithium battery for up to eight hours. The internal backup battery provides power to the NVG even when removed from the mount. This completely eliminates the need for the snap on battery pack and the additional weight. This system comes with the option of a permanent Wilcox 4-hole HMI or a Quick-Release 4-hole HMI that mount into the visor.
Unique features of the DPAM include a low-battery indicator light and a Power Mode selection that allows the operator to choose between the external and internal power supply without having to remove the helmet. The system has a switch guard that protects against accidental snags. The mount includes a clip that attaches to the visor to secure the power chord out of the way.
An NVG flip button allows the goggle to “flip up” into a stowed position when not in use. This enables the auto-off capabilities of the goggle helping to save battery life. The system has several adjustment points for a precise fit. An interface plate provides a stable mounting platform and helps with the fit. It also allows the DPAM to easily be removed from the shroud.
The mount is manufactured from lightweight aerospace grade metal and high strength polymer. A field replaceable ball detent insert provides the ability to set tolerances over the life of the mount. The mount fist into ballistic and non-ballistic helmets drilled with the standard one or three-hole pattern and when used with Wilcox’s line of NVG shrouds. The mount and shroud weigh a minimal 5.92 ounces.
For ordering and pricing information contact Wilcox Industries at www.wilcoxind.com.
AUSA – Ops-Core ACH Upgrade Components – UPDATED
Thursday, October 16th, 2014
Here are some photos of the individual components in the Ops-Core Advanced Combat Helmet upgrades. Naturally, they can be all adopted or as individual pieces.
The first piece is the 360 Deg Liner and Retention System. It attaches into place via the Velcro patches already installed in the ACH shell. The liner provides permanent impact protection (particularly against rotational forces) and you still insert pads so I’m going to suggest, if you use this upgrade, you’ll need to size up on your shell.
UPDATE – It’s true you use pads with the EPP liner but they are specially designed for use with the liner. It is not designed to be used in conjunction with the issue helmet pad. I spoke with Ops-Core and they gave me this info.
The new liner has a variable thickness EPP protective component that is coupled with comfort pads that come in three thicknesses: 1/4″ 3/8″ and 1/2″ to create ideal comfort and stability. Individuals wearing a large ACH with issue pads can use the new liner in the same size shell with greater comfort and stability
The Skeleton One Hole Shroud weighs just 42.1 grams. It’s streamlined design is snag free and the single hole will fit right on to the ACH.
They’ve also incorporated space in the lightening holes to tie off your NODs, if needed.
The skeleton rails offer 14 wire and cable management attachment points. They are also universally sized to fit all ACH sizes Small through Extra-Large.
The items are available in Black, Urban Tan and Foliage Green.
AUSA – Solace Power
Monday, October 13th, 2014Newfoundland, Canada-based Solace Power specializes in wireless power. While they don’t manufacture products they offer customizable projects and offer Technical Development Kits. Their goal is to license technology to manufacturers. Today, they’re demonstrating a customizable project applied to a bump helmet to show how it can be wirelessly powered. It’s a demonstrator but I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen.
They use Electric Field Based RC2 (Resonant Capacitive Coupling) technology. This is slightly different from the magnetic charging technology you see in wireless cell phone chargers. The resonator material is flexible and can be copper or another lightweight conductive material that can be shielded with a simple fabric.
Additionally, Solace Power’s technology doesn’t heat objects and it still works even if the resonator is punctured or torn. The technology is safety compliant to IEEE, FCC, ICNIRP and Safety Code 6.
Efficiency wise, they are demonstrating 90% power coupling efficiency at 40 cms and that’s at 100w. They can also use one transmitter with multiple receivers (ie weapon, helmet, radio, etc). The receiver can also act as a repeater but the larger the resonator, the further the power can be transmitted. You’ll notice in the photo above how far the helmet is away and off by enter of the power transmitter. With magnetic power transmission you can’t do that.
Think of the implications. Use of their technology doesn’t alter the Soldier’s behavior. Each piece of equipment doesn’t need a separate battery. There’s also no hot battery swapping or umbilicals/cords.
AUSA – 3M Introduces Production Rails
Monday, October 13th, 2014Shown here on the Ballistic Bump Helmet (which meets SOCOM helmet performance) the new Rail fits their boltless helmets. While it is a bolt less design, it doesn’t connect to the helmet via an epoxy like other designs. Instead, 3M embeds a threaded interface just below the durable surface of the helmet above the ballistic later. This threaded interface accepts two screws that keep the rail in place but do not compromise the ballistic integrity of the helmet.
It features a T-slot interface that accepts Picatinny rails via their Quick Release adapter. It also accepts side and mandible armor, oxygen masks and a counterweight for NVGs. The 3M family of helmets offers four levels of protection which we covered during SHOT Show.
