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Galvion’s Ongoing NATO and European Successes Trigger Expansion Plans for a European Production Hub in Poland

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has announced the establishment of a European Production Hub in Poland. Driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility will be based in Gdansk is expected to be operational by Q1 of 2024.

Galvion’s Polish investment plan was announced at a lunchtime VIP briefing in Gdansk on Friday 8th September 2023. This announcement coincides with the DSEI exhibition taking place in London, 12-15 September, where Galvion are exhibiting at booth H4-711.

Following recent consecutive contract awards for key European nations, Galvion is expecting to have close to 1.5 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by 2025. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility will initially house helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond in order to support Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of the Board at Galvion said: “Today’s announcement represents a bold but necessary next step forward for the company. It is indicative of our commitment to delivering value for our global partners and programs, with an emphasis on responsible regional operations, as well as diverse through-life management, service and support opportunities. Getting our best-in-class protective and performance-enhancing equipment out to those who need it is our priority. By expanding our footprint to the European continent, we will be able to sharpen the focus of our manufacturing and support facilities around the world to enhance delivery, responsiveness, and supportability for all of our customers.”

He added, “We have been impressed by the Polish authorities’ receptiveness and assistance in our search, and we would specifically like to thank the office of the Marshal of Pomerania, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the Pomeranian Development Agency, the Gdansk City Council and the Regional Development Agency, Invest in Pomerania, for their ongoing interest and support.”

Posted in Helmets, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion’s Ongoing NATO and European Successes Trigger Expansion Plans for a European Production Hub in Poland

Galvion Teams with NP Aerospace and Establishes UK Helmet Production Hub

Thursday, August 31st, 2023

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of military head protection systems and intelligent power and data management solutions, is pleased to announce that it has established a strategic partnership with the UK-based global Defence composites company, NP Aerospace. The relationship is announced as the first batch of NP produced product is accepted and ready to deliver, and marks NP Aerospace becoming a key helmet production partner. NP Aerospace is manufacturing Galvion’s proprietary helmet designs to stringent production specifications and delivering to Galvion’s local UK and continental European customer base.

This new long-term, mutually exclusive partnership will initially focus on the delivery of Galvion’s Cobra® Plus helmets into the UK MoD’s VIRTUS programme. Since contract award in 2015, Galvion has produced and delivered over 200,000 helmet systems to the UK’s VIRTUS programme. NP Aerospace, already a long-standing and trusted supplier of the UK MoD, brings decades of advanced composite material and armour system manufacturing expertise to the venture, ensuring a continuity of production excellence for Galvion’s customers.

With validations, compliance assurance, tools, and technology transfer complete, NP Aerospace has concluded the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase and will deliver the first production batch, marking the transition to full operating capability of the new production facility. The on-shore UK production collaboration will shorten supply chains, improve responsiveness, and provide a platform for future support and sustainment, enhancing the UK’s VIRTUS programme customer journey. In addition, this move to regionalization fully aligns with the UK customer’s Land Industrial Strategy (LIS) and places Galvion in a strong position to continue to export to and support yet more European and wider regional customers.

James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said: “NP Aerospace has a strong capability in delivering high volume military helmet programmes. We have delivered 625,000 helmets to UK MoD since the mid-1990s, and we are a long-term trusted supplier on multiple UK DE&S equipment programmes. We are honoured to be partnering with Galvion to continue the legacy of excellence with the UK-manufactured VIRTUS Cobra Plus Helmet and look forward to the opportunities that this relationship presents for the future.”

Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Galvion said: â€œWe are firmly committed to providing best-in-class product and service to our global customer network. The UK’s MoD is an exceedingly high priority for Galvion, and we believe this new alliance represents a win-win for all parties. Iâ€™d like to thank all partners involved for working together to benefit our joint customerâ€. He added: “With everything going on in the world today, regional partnering and collaboration is part of a wider strategic initiative to establish onshore and localized production to enhance delivery, flexibility, responsiveness, and supportability for our customers around the world.”

Posted in Helmets, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion Teams with NP Aerospace and Establishes UK Helmet Production Hub

Princeton Tec Introduces New Addition to Switch Product Line

Thursday, August 24th, 2023

Pennsauken, NJ – Founded in 1975, Princeton Tec has been a leader in the lighting and outdoor space, providing trusted illumination products to everyone from the outdoor enthusiast to the world’s most elite special forces. Today, nearly 50 years later, Princeton Tec is excited to announce the newest addition to the fan-favorite MPLS (Modular Personal Lighting System) family, with the Switch RGB.

For those requiring special light, the Switch RGB is feature-rich, extremely lightweight, and offers unmatched versatility. Now equipped with two light models: IR + RGB or White + RGB Ultrabright LEDs, users can now determine which version best matches their specific needs. The White+ RGB version starts in the users’ selected color LED, with low or high, and then the user presses and holds the button to get to the White LED.

The RGB is a single LED, where users can program which colored LED light will default to when colored LED mode is selected. The IR version starts in IR mode, and users press and hold to get into the color mode. There are two levels of intensity of IR light, and only one intensity level of the colored light (high).

Designed to mount to various helmet rail systems, with the versatility of the MPLS mounting options, the Switch RGB MPLS can be secured to virtually any kit configuration. Smart and tough, the lights feature the flexi-neck design, allowing the user to direct light where it’s need, regardless of the angle of the point of origin. The flex boom and housing design feature an improved design to make the Switch even more durable. With ease-of-use was kept top-of-mind, the white mode requires a two-second button press to be turned on to avoid accidental activation. Users can set and change the order in which the colored LED’s appear upon activation, for a truly customized performance.

“Princeton Tec provides the best lighting solutions, tailored to our customers’ needs,” said Princeton Tec Vice President, Dave Cozzone. “As an American manufacturer, we take pride in delivering top-quality lighting products and meeting the needs of our war fighters who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms.”

Princeton Tec has built a reputation by manufacturing proven, essential lighting solutions used by military, law enforcement, first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and other self-reliant individuals.

Switch IR + RGB:

Power 10 Lumens

Lamp 1 IR LED

1 Red / Green / Blue Ultrabright LED

Burn Time 35 hours

Batteries 2 2016 Coin Cells

Weight 17g

Waterproof IPX4 Water Resistant

Switch White + RGB:

Power 10 Lumens

Lamp 1 Spot White LED

1 Red / Green / Blue Ultrabright LED

Burn Time 35 hours

Batteries 2 2016 Coin Cells

Weight 17g

Waterproof IPX4 Water Resistant

For more information about Princeton Tec, please visit: www.princetontec.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Lights, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SCUBAPRO – New Odin Helmet Mask Strap for Team Wendy SAR Helmet

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

SCUBAPRO has been working closely with the Search and Rescue (SAR) community to help with the development of a new Odin Helmet Mask strap. SCUBAPRO has the Odin Helmet mask strap which allows you to attach any SCUBAPRO mask that works with the comfort strap to an Ops Core, Team Wendy exfil, Galvion helmet rails, and even the Ops Core Skull mounted system. Essentially, for anytime you must wear a helmet and a dive mask at the same time. When using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), the Patriot3 Jet boots, or over the beach (OTB), any time it’s a good idea to wear a helmet.

With the updated TW Odin strap you can now attach your SCUBAPRO mask to the Team Wendy SAR helmet. Allow for ease of use when using a mask with a helmet. It is made for SCUBAPRO by S&S Precision and is in the process of being added to the US Navy SAR State of the Art Catalog (SOA). This will allow all Navy SAR swimmer to use it, with any SCABAPRO Mask that works with the comfort straps.

Both Odin straps now have a new mask clip which allows the strap that attaches to the mask, to be pulled tighter with one hand.

Part number for the Odin strap (older model) that works with Ops Core, Team Wendy Exfil and Galvion helmets.
24.815.100

New Odin strap TW for the Team Wendy SAR helmet
24.815.200

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Helmets, Maritime | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO – New Odin Helmet Mask Strap for Team Wendy SAR Helmet

Parashooter Gear – NOD Lock

Sunday, July 23rd, 2023

The NOD Lock is a simple, quick attach, non-breakaway NVG lanyard. Using a laser cut piece of 500D laminate, the NOD Lock attaches to the front bolt on either side of your helmet.

They chose to use a buckle as a means to attach/detach the lanyard because it is easy to manipulate while wearing your helmet, with gloves on and in the dark. The simple “no sew” construction also means it is about half the price of comparable lanyards.

www.parashootergear.com/product-page/nod-lock

Posted in Helmets, Optics | 3 Comments »

MDM 23 – Streamlight Introduces Two New Sidewinder Mounts

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Streamlight has introduced two new mounts for their Sidewinder light series. Above is the Hook and Loop Plate and below is the Contour ARC Rail Mount.

Currently available in Coyote with Black coming later.

Available now.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, MDM | 3 Comments »

Navy Fields New Protective Headgear for Marine Corps Aviation Maintainers

Monday, June 26th, 2023

Three things about this new helmet for maintainers which replaces the classic Cranial.

1. It’s built by Team Wendy and based on the Exfil bump helmet.

2. This is one of the rare occasions where Marines get something first.

3. They are coming in custom colors for each of the aviation specialties, for example Red for Aviation Ordnance.

The Naval Aircrew Systems Program Office is fielding new headgear, the Head Gear Unit Number 98/Personal Use (HGU-98/P), that improves both head and hearing protection for fleet Marine Corps aviation maintainers.

The program office incorporated the latest advancements and information gained from market research, lab testing and fleet assessments to select the new Marine Corps maintenance cranial, the Team Wendy Exfil Light Tactical Polymer helmet, which is a Commercial-off-the-Shelf solution.

“The HGU-98/P provides improved impact protection and increased hearing protection, which are long overdue improvements that our maintainers deserve,” said Capt. Carey Castelein, program manager.

Since the inception of protective headgear in the 1950s, a major challenge has been to design helmets that offer the required impact and hearing protection while providing a system that provides a comfortable fit. Because flight lines and flight decks are notoriously loud, a safe and comfortable helmet is mission critical.

The new cranial comes in two sizes and an alternate H-shaped back retention system to accommodate a hair bun. The HGU-98/P also features two different styles of hearing protection, both rail mounted to the helmet, with either X4 ear cups for a slimmer fit or X5 with larger ear cups but with better sound attenuation.

“Through research, test and fleet assessments, our team was able to determine the best possible solution for improved head and hearing protection, taking into account cost, performance and user feedback,” said Jennifer Bartnick, program office team lead.

Squadrons that began receiving the HGU-98/P flight deck helmet system in October 2022 have given favorable feedback. Fielding to Marine Corps aviation units will continue through the end of the year, and the cranial with additional capability will begin delivery next year.

From the Naval Aircrew Systems Program Office

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets, Navy, USMC | Comments Off on Navy Fields New Protective Headgear for Marine Corps Aviation Maintainers

MTEK STRIKE Ballistic

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Weighing a mere 2.0 lbs, the STRIKE Ballistic is MTEK’s lightest helmet to date. Devoid of traditional rain systems, the new Monorail features a single MLOK slot for attachment of AMP arms, incorporating hearing and ballistic protection into a single piece of equipment. The standard chinstrap bolt pattern allows the installation of all common retention systems.