Fore those looking to upgrade the suspension system on their ACH-style ballistic helmet, the Tactical Impact Protection System (TIPS) from GH Armor Systems may be just the ticket. GH Armor uses a high density EPP impact liner to mitigate shock.
They have combined several components to improve the fit, comfort, and shock mitigation of the ACH.
A microfiber headband cover as well as vents cut into the foam core help with heat mitigation. Additionally, the memory foam crown pad provides comfort.
The patented Dual-Fit tension and adjustment system allows the wearer to adjust the tension of the headband by twisting a dial at the rear of the helmet.
Developed by Vision Systems International LLC the helmet for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter integrates an astounding amount of capability into the display. In fact, the helmet is so advanced that the F-35 is the first aircraft in 50 years to fly without a Heads Up Display.
F-35 HMDS Specs
– Binocular Wide Field-of-View
– Integrated day/night capability with sensor fusion
– Highly accurate head tracking hardware and software
– Digital image source for helmet vision displayed symbology
– Custom helmet shell, liner and suspension system for lightest weight, optimal C.G. and maximum pilot – comfort.
All of this capability means some interesting flight hours for the pilot of the F-35. The helmet provides augmented reality, to the point that if the pilot looks down toward his feet he will see ground. Wherever the pilot looks he sees battlespace with value added data superimposed over threats, items of interest, and friendlies. Additionally, the helmet facilitates off-axis target cueing which means that a pilot can look at a target outside of the direct engagement window of his missiles and feed the data to his missiles. After weapons release and initial guidance based off of data from the helmet, the missile can fly close enough to the target to utilize it’s own targeting system for terminal guidance.
Naturally, despite the advanced capability of the helmet, it would have nothing to display if it were not for the sensor suite built into the JFS as well as live feeds provided by the US Military’s Tactical Air Command and Control System. The heart of the imagery provided to the pilot is the Electro Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS), which combines the feeds from six infrared digital cameras located around the aircraft. For such technology to be integrated into Combat Vehicle Crew as well as dismounted troop’s helmets, a sensor architecture will need to be developed across platforms in addition to feeds from ISR systems. This sensor system was one of the cornerstones of the Army’s ambitious Future Combat System.
Watch the video and look for the capabilities discussed above.
Tags: JSF Posted in Aviation, Helmets | Comments Off on Joint Strike Fighter Helmet Mounted Display System
Down Range Gear has introduced two new NOD retention devices to augment their original design. Both are designed to retain and prevent the loss of a helmet mounted NOD but offer slightly different features.
With the ver 2 design a female side release buckle is pinned between the NOD plate and the helmet to form a sturdy socket that will remain on the helmet. The male end of the buckle is tethered to the NOD body via tension adjustable shock cord.
This system can also be upgraded with an improved dummy cord, snapping a female side release buckle onto a PALS loop to secure the NOD while stored.
The ver 3 is a streamlined design and features a male side release buckle that is anchored to the helmet under the NOD plate and tethered to length/tension adjustable shock cord. A short length of webbing keeps the female buckle secured to the device.
Optional steel cable ties are available for environmental extremes that require more than plastic and both versions are available in Coyote Tan and Foliage Green from www.downrangegear.com.
Posted in Gadgets, Helmets | Comments Off on Down Range Gear NOD Retention Devices
Designed specifically for wear with a helmet, the Eagle Balaclava features a Nomex® skull cap area to eliminate hot spots and the remainder the material is fashioned from Dri Fire also used by Crye The balaclava also has an elastic adjustment and there are button holes on both sides of the mouth to accommodate boom microphones or Communications and Ear Protection wires.
New from Down Rage Gear, these Goggle Strap Keepers attach to the helmet via button holes found on the cover rather than the bolts. This allows the Strap Keepers to be used with several different styles of helmets as well as simplifying installation. The Straps also feature a Velcro patch in order to mount interchangeable markers and identifiers. A standard kit contains one pair (each): Scotchlite reflective material, luminescent (glow in the dark) tape and IR reflective squares (for military customers only).
Down Range Gear Goggle Strap Keeper
Sold in pairs, the Strap Keepers are available in Foliage and Coyote from Down Range Gear.
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According to Vanderbilt University’s “Exploration” magazine, researchers at the Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) have developed a gunshot-locator net. By networking a helmet-mounted acoustic sensor system among a team of Soldiers, the system will correlate data collected by a larger number of sensors. The system is designed to not only provide the location of the shooter but also the type of projectile.
Read an interesting synopsis of the work from “Exploration” magazine. A paper from the team is also available here.
Posted in Gadgets, Helmets | Comments Off on AK47-Locating ‘Smart Dust’ Helmets
The Dutch military is working to field a new helmet by 2011. The modular concept from the Integrated Head Protection Project team of the Dutch Ministry of Defense’s Ordnance Corps, began with a survey of 500 Soldiers. Details revealed that those in the field desired the ability to wear hearing as well as eye protection whether or not they were wearing a helmet. Additionally, as you can see from the illustration, modularity in design is central to the development effort. The concept has a great deal of merit. In addition to exchanging information with the Canadian military, the program won an innovation prize at a recent trade show in Prague. The program team is currently seeking an industry partner to further development.
Galea is the Roman name for Helmet.
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GCS has developed a helmet cover that features an NODS Mount cover. Not everyone uses their mount all of the time and this cover will reduce wear and tear on the mount and aid in camouflage. The cover folds back and stows out of the way when wearing NODs.
The Berry compliant helmet cover comes in S/M and L/XL sizes and is available in UCP or USAF Digital Tigerstripe.
