We recently published an article on the latest version of the MOdular HArd Wired Kitted (MOHAWK) helmet from Ceradyne and comms partner Threat4. It’s a boltless design manufactured using their advanced Seamless Ballistic technology developed for the Enhanced Combat Helmet and integrates a modular data and power bus bar system. Essentially, this is a powered helmet with multiple mounting points on the helmet’s shell.
You will notice numerous pieces from Wilcox Industries on these helmets.
Wilcox Industries has unveiled their new 3 hole shroud for the ACH/Ops-Core Helmet.
It’s a skeletonized design that is optimized for the ACH geometry. Additionally, it combines a machined anodized aluminum mount with a polymer housing. This approach balances strength and weight meaning zero movement left and right or up and down. In fact, they tested the design by attaching and detaching an NVG 5,000 times. Additionally, it is available with or without a lanyard.
Both the Team Wendy EXFIL Bump Helmet and the CAM-FIT Retention System are shipping. In fact, the USMC LWH version of the CAM-FIT is ready.
I ran by the Gentex booth and picked up their new catalog interested in seeing if they had integrated any of Ops-Core’s products into their offerings. As most of you will remember, Gentex purchased Ops-Core early this year. Sure enough, a small sampling of Ops-Core products was in the back of the catalog. But, they were some interesting surprises.
From the photos and the description in the catalog, you attach the VAS shroud and ARC rails to Mission Configurable Helmet Cover and put it on the helmet when you need those capabilities. Otherwise, you ACH remains stock. I must admit, I do wonder how the cover will handle the stress if you start hanging lots on it.
Additionally, it appears that they have refined the visor system they have been working on over the years. The Moto Visor and Mandible work alone or in concert to protect the face of those wearing helmets configured with an ARC rail set up.
Last week we mentioned that the latest version of Ceradyne’s MOdular HArd Wired Kitted (MOHAWK) Boltless Combat Helmet. But, at last year’s AUSA, Ceradyne along with Wilcox Industries, gave everyone a sneak of the future of combat helmets. These photos of the MOHAWK technology demonstrator were taken during a recent SSD visit to Wilcox Industries. As you can see, the first version was a standard ACH cut. You can also make out an attachment point at the top of the helmet.
Team Wendy has released the new Cam-Fit Retention System as a stand alone product. Designed to fit any MICH style helmet with standard 4-point retention holes a USMC LWH compatible compatible version is coming soon.
The Cam-Ft features the following highlights:
· Boa Closure System technology allowing easy, repeatable and secure tensioning
· Aircraft grade stainless steel lacing for superior durability
· Ultrasuede chincup
· Cam-lock sliders for easy, one-handed adjustment
· No Loose ends or hanging straps
· Compliant with the ACH and ECH Static Pull Strength Requirements
The key to this chinstrap is the Boa fit system which you may recognize from your ski boots. Team Wendy has already successfully integrated it into their new EXFIL bump helmet. I have to tell you that I love it. It offers fine adjustment and tightened up enough that my 8 year old could wear the EXFIL so folks with smaller heads will have no problems with the Cam-Fit Retention System. You twist it clockwise to tighten and pull outward to release tension.
Available now in Black and Coyote. One size fits almost everyone.
Earlier today, Revision announced that the Danish Army has issued a 7-year contract to them for Batlskin Cobra Helmets which include the Batlskin Modular Head Protection system (high-performance liner, ergonomic Retention System and multipurpose Front Mount). The Batlskin Cobra Helmet is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
Deliveries will commence with an initial 4,335 Batlskin Cobra helmet systems to be delivered to the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), which will have the option to purchase additional Batlskin helmet-mounted components including the Batlskin Visor and Mandible Guard.
According to Revision they were awarded the Danish contract for a lighter-weight, blunt force, blast and ballistic higher protection level helmet after being down-selected to one of only several competitors able to fulfill this requirement. Testing of the Batlskin system was conducted at the Danish army test center with involvement from Army and Air Force military branches and Revision ultimately won the bid with high technical compliance scores, favorable end-user trials which were weighted at 60% of the evaluation and good price/value for this state-of-the-art head protection system.
“Revision is proud to have been awarded this contract to supply the Danish Military with our lightweight, high-performance polyethylene helmets and satellite Batlskin components—proof that we are advancing in our mission to meet the needs of the modern-day soldier fighting on today’s battlefield,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “Our readiness to supply next-generation helmets that meet both current and future operational environments is the culmination of many years of research and development of new materials, a strong design focus on protection systems that not only integrate seamlessly but can be customized for various military customers, and innovative manufacturing processes. The ability to produce both highly-specialized, polyethylene composite helmet shells at Revision’s Composite Center of Excellence as well as more traditional aramid helmets at our Newport facility enables us to quickly iterate helmet solutions to meet our global customers’ program requirements.”
During last year’s AUSA, Ceradyne introduced a demonstrator of their MOHAWK technology. Now, they’ve refined the concept and in conjunction with communications producer Threat4, are unveiling this new version at this year’s AUSA.
The new “MOdular HArd Wired Kitted (MOHAWK) Boltless Combat Helmet” (Patent Pending) was developed by Ceradyne Diaphorm with the tactical in-ear radio communication headset developed by Threat4 Inc. This headset also offers hearing protection. The actual helmet features Ceradyne’s advanced Seamless Ballistic technology developed for the Enhanced Combat Helmet and integrates a modular data and power bus bar system. Essentially, this is a powered helmet with multiple mounting points on the helmet’s shell.
Marc King, President of Ceradyne Armor Systems and Patrick Armstrong, CEO of Threat4 both commented: “The integration of a headset communication system with hearing protection to the MOHAWK helmet provides a weight and logistics savings to the warefighter by eliminating the traditional headset’s power source and connecting to the power rail. The addition of comms and hearing protection to the helmet completes the warefighter`s Headborne equipment requirements and simultaneously addresses hearing protection.
The Threat4 tactical headset is a variant of Threat4’s traditional x-62000 series headset but modified to include brackets to mount it on either side of the MOHAWK and to draw power from the bus bar system. Other accessories that are mountable to the MOHAWK include IFF (identification friend-or-foe) transponder, NVG (night vision goggle) with integrated camera and LED flashlight, all powered from the rear battery pack. Last year these were Wilcox Ind products and based on the diagram, look to still be.
Now, if we can just get this program and the powered weapon rail to include common interface standards we might be on to something.
