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Galvion Demonstrates Helmet Sizing App at Rampart Range Day 25

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

During the recent Rampart Range Day in Canada, Galvion demonstrated their developmental Helmet Sizing App. Team members measured the heads of volunteers and then compared the suggested size with actual fit.

As you can see I had a great time and a bit of a laugh over the situation. Me and my odd-shaped head didn’t quite fit their model and I needed to size up. It’s data collection like this that allows them to dial in their models. Likely, they’ll toss my data as an anomaly.

At any rate, look for the sizing app, coming soon to a fielding near you.

Posted in Helmets, Rampart Range Day | 2 Comments »

Galvion Awarded FBI Contract for Their Hellbender FE Helmet

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

Galvion, a leading manufacturer in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, announces the successful award of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contract for their Galvion Hellbender™ Federal Edition (FE) helmet (previously identified as the Hellbender R7/TE). This 5-year, $10 Million indefinite- delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract represents a significant milestone in delivering Galvion’s advanced head systems to authorized buyers, which include Department of Justice agency components, including but not limited to FBI, DEA, and US Marshals.

Galvion’s Hellbender platform has been developed and refined over multiple years, with feedback from some of the world’s most demanding teams and is currently fielded across various international programs. The proprietary geometry of the Galvion Hellbender system maximizes comfort, fit and stability with a unique helmet profile and features the best-in-class APEX™ liner system. Advanced platform options include modular upgrades such as maxillofacial protection, integration of Galvion’s E.D.G™ power and data management system, as well as a suite of accessories, including helmet covers, strobes, task lights, and NVG mounts.

The winning Hellbender FE ballistic helmet model is wholly molded, assembled and built in Newport, Vermont, USA and meets the stringent requirements of the DEA and FBI Ballistic Testing Helmet Protocol 2024. Prioritizing backface deformation performance; the helmet offers protection against pistol caliber threats, environmental hazards and meets enhanced backface deformation limits. Featuring Galvion’s Universal Bonded Anchor System (UBAS), which was developed as part of the United States Marine Corps IHS program to eliminate bolt penetrations for seamless coverage and ballistic integrity. The helmet platform is available in hi-cut as well as a unique mid/full cut, features single-sized components and provides unmatched flexibility for integrating equipment. Configurable to meet rapidly evolving threat and operational needs, the Hellbender system has been specifically designed to support upgradeability, maintenance and refurbishment paths. Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “Our team worked tirelessly to develop a solution to meet the FBI’s high ballistic performance protocols, and we are excited to see this work come to fruition with the award of this contract. Our head systems are renowned for delivering a unique combination of customized performance, thoughtful design and unparalleled comfort, and we are proud to be able to offer the FBI and wider agency network this latest Hellbender system. We have close to 100,000 of the Hellbender geometry in service around the world, and we are continually incorporating end- user feedback into the platform design to ensure that it can support the ever-evolving needs of our users.” He added: “This new Hellbender system makes a great addition to our rapidly expanding suite of solutions for the law enforcement user community. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for our team, and we look forward to offering our integrated system and customized solutions approach to the broader federal and law enforcement user communities.”

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion Awarded FBI Contract for Their Hellbender FE Helmet

HGU-56/P – The Helmet You Know and Trust, Now Better Than Ever

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

The Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System has long been the trusted choice for rotary wing aircrew across U.S. and with allied forces. Originally developed to support the U.S. Army Air Soldier Program, it was engineered to reduce weight and bulk while maintaining industry-leading impact protection,allowing aircrew to stay protected during extended missions.

Now this battle-proven platform is better than ever. With the addition of the new SideKick™ ARC Rails and LockDown™ Liner Kit, the HGU-56/P receives a smart, user-driven refresh that enhances comfort, capability, and mission performance without changing the platform that aircrew already know and rely on.

SideKick™ ARC Rails

Built on the Ops-Core® developed ARC (Accessory Rail Connection) geometry, SideKick ARC Rails give crews a low-profile, breakaway-compatible mounting solution for accessories. Mounting closer to the helmet’s center of gravity improves weight distribution and reduces fatigue, while providing valuable rail real estate for lights, strobes, and more — all while maintaining crash safety and backward compatibility with most HGU-56/P variants.

Click the links below to learn more!

Gentex HGU-56/P Helmet Systems

SideKick ARC Rails

Flexboom Microphone

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Introducing the Gentex LX9 Liner System, An Affordable, Drop-In Liner Upgrade for US Military Combat Helmets

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, June 03, 2025 – Gentex Corporation is pleased to announce the Gentex LX9 Liner System, available now. This drop-in replacement liner is compatible with a broad range of commonly used ground combat helmets and is optimized for comfort and stability in a lightweight package. As part of its adoption, Gentex will deliver over 18,000 systems tothe US Army for use in the NG-IHPS helmet system in 2025.

“Our LX9 Liner System gives users a lightweight, high-performance upgrade to instantly increase in-use comfort,” said Kevin Reilly, Segment Director of Close Combat at Gentex Corporation. “The customizable and configurable design allows for the end user to tailor the fit to maximize airflow and reduce hotspots.”

The system is designed to provide unmatched comfort for ground combat helmets, including ACH, ECH, and NG-IHPS models. Featuring advanced breathability and absorbency, itincludes a 9-piece EPP and comfort foam pad set, which includes a redesigned brow pad for added stability. It’scustomizable, one-size-fits-all design allows for easy adjustments using existing hook-and-loop mounting locations in the helmet shell. This enhances airflow, reduces hot spotscommonly found in today’s standard issue 7-pad system, and better accommodates headband-mounted communication systems. Lightweight, durable, and adaptable, it ensures optimal fit and comfort for users in demanding environments.

At under 66 grams, the LX9 Liner System is the lightest lineroption on the market today, reducing overall head system weightwhile maintaining needed impact protection. It has been developed to provide impact protection exceeding AR/PD 10-02 in a wide variety of common helmets.

For more information or to place your order for the Gentex LX9 Liner System visit shop.gentexcorp.com/lx9-liner-system.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing the Gentex LX9 Liner System, An Affordable, Drop-In Liner Upgrade for US Military Combat Helmets

Gentex Corporation Launches the Next Generation Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet System: Setting a New Standard in Lightweight Ballistic Performance

Monday, May 5th, 2025

CARBONDALE, PA, May 5, 2025 – Gentex Corporation announced at SOF Week in Tampa, FL the public release of its next-generation Ops-Core® FAST® SF Helmet System. A global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, Gentex first introduced the FAST SF helmet in 2017, setting the standard for lightweight, comfort, stability, and protection. Adopted as the USSOCOM FTHS helmet system, it quickly became the choice of top-tier customers worldwide. This latest version establishes a new benchmark for lightweight ballistic protection, delivering exceptional performance and enhanced comfort for the most elite SOF and LE forces.

The new FAST SF Helmet System incorporates majoradvancements through three innovative sub-systems:

• Lighter System Weight: This system achieves the same ballistic performance as the legacy FAST SF helmet systemwhile reducing system weight by 10-15% (depending on size). The new ballistic shell boasts a thinner, lighter design for enhanced wearability. The reduced weight has users questioning the need for a separate bump helmet.

• Universal LockDownTM Liner System: A universal suspension solution backward compatible with all FAST Helmet Systems that enhances comfort, airflow, and stability for heavy VAS and NVG setups. Featuring LockDown Fit Shims and a Cable Occ-Dial® with a conformal nape pad, this liner ensures a secure, customizable fit for any head shape, eliminating interference with communications headbands and delivering unmatched performance in the most demanding conditions.

• Versatile Head-Loc® Flex Retention System: Featuring a convertible chin cup design, the Head-Loc Flex retention system can be worn over or under the chin, offering unprecedented user flexibility. Optimized buckles and sliders improve usability and eliminate the need for mask extenders in most cases. The patented Ops-Core Head-Loc sliders continue to offer market leading one handed adjustment.

“These advancements represent a significant step forward in functionality and comfort for the end user,” said Peter Harbeck, SOF Segment Director at Gentex Corporation. “The FAST SF Helmet System delivers the protection our customers expect while addressing critical needs for weight reduction, fit, and adaptability. With its new liner system, the helmet provides a tailored, secure fit that conforms to the user’s head shape, enhancing stability and long-term wearability in demanding environments.”

Designed with the end-user at its core, the next-generation FAST SF Helmet System represents a significant step forward in headborne protection. This lighter, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective solution underscores Gentex’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge protection for those that demand the absolute best. With the new FAST SF Helmet System, Gentex builds on its position as the exclusive provider of USSOCOM’s FTHS helmet system, delivering unmatchedperformance, uncompromising protection, and a proven track record that elite forces rely on when failure is not an option.

To learn more about the next-generation FAST SF Helmet System, visit shop.gentexcorp.com/introducing-the-fast-sf-next-generation-headborne-system

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release, SOF Week | 2 Comments »

Visit the Ops-Core Team at SOF Select – Booth #10 | Tampa, FL | May 6–8

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Ops-Core is excited to participate in SOF Select, taking place in Tampa, Florida from May 6th to May 8th. Join us at Booth #10 to hear exclusive updates and discover a major new development that represents a significant leap forward in operational capability.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Helmets, SOF Week | Comments Off on Visit the Ops-Core Team at SOF Select – Booth #10 | Tampa, FL | May 6–8

Galvion Introduces CORTEX Smart Head System Integration Platform at SOF Week 2025

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is launching their CORTEX™ product category at SOF Week 2025. CORTEX is Galvion’s new category of advanced, intelligent headborne systems that deliver processing, power management and data connectivity, driving next-level Warfighter effectiveness on a digitally enabled battlefield. Combining Galvion’s expertise in hardware and software development and highlighting a foundational commitment to human-centered innovation, CORTEX systems feature intuitive design, intelligent integration and mission-adaptable configurations.

Designed to unify power, data and processing in a modular ecosystem, CORTEX enables real-time decision making at the edge, while maintaining compatibility with existing tactical gear and workflows. The CORTEX system on display at Galvion’s booth (#349) at SOF Week is integrated onto Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmet and features a powerful compute module with internal battery and purpose-built android-based operating system; integrated accessory network for power & data; multiple system communication protocol options (USB, ISW, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi); optional battery module for untethered operations; sensor and emitter pod with open-source architecture for third party integration; low-profile auto-detecting VAS connection for HUDs and NVGs with software-enabled AR; built-in 4-key controller for tactile on-board navigation; as well as additional optional, adaptable capabilities. Using Galvion’s CORTEX system and proprietary AlertCentr™ application, the Warfighter can view critical ATAK data and operate key ATAK functions with a quick button press, eliminating the need to open the EUD, and enabling new levels of situational awareness.

CORTEX components are one-size fits all, with adjustable hardware to fit the full helmet size range and is available for Galvion’s Caiman® and Hellbender™ platforms, as well as select non-Galvion helmet systems. The demonstrated CORTEX system has been developed over multiple years with input and collaboration from Tier 1 customers. Customized versions of Galvion’s integrated systems featuring specifically tailored software and hardware integrations have been delivered to and trialled by undisclosed global customers.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We have collaborated with some of the world’s most elite teams to imagine the future of integrated head systems, and the launch of the CORTEX category marks an exciting milestone in our product and technology evolution. Galvion has been deconstructing and re-designing integrated headborne systems since we entered the market, and the CORTEX system that we are demonstrating here is really just the beginning.” Stirtzinger added:

“This shift from passive protection to next-generation survivable and lethal systems is a step change in capability and digital integration and requires new tools and fast learning. This is precisely why we invested millions of dollars in building our state-of-the-art Warfighter Lab, and it plays a huge part in helping us make the best design decisions for this new category of intelligent, integrated systems. SOF Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce CORTEX to a wider audience and demonstrate how the Warfighter Lab supports these human-machine interface developments.”

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion Introduces CORTEX Smart Head System Integration Platform at SOF Week 2025

MDM 25 – Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk High Offset ARC Mount

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

I wanted to give you a look at how the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk light mounts to an Ops-Core ARC Rail using the High Offset ARC Mount.

The issue is that when you mount the light directly to the ARC Rail, you don’t have room for the AMP headset or other mounting adapters.

The High Offset ARC Mount relocated the light above the rail, offering plenty of room for your headset mount yet still making access to the convenient.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Lights, MDM | 1 Comment »