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More on Galea

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Information on the new Dutch combat helmet continues to trickle out of the Netherlands. The article from the Dutch Ministry of Defense reveals Galea to be a component of Project VOSS (Verbeterd Operationeel Soldaten Systeem) or Improved Operational Soldiers’ System, IOSS in English.

A translation of an informational piece released by TNO

“TNO has developed a new multipurpose helmet for the Defense Materials Organization (DMO). The helmet’s design is based on operational experience from recent deployments such as the current one in Afghanistan. When/if all the tests are completed successfully, the Galea (Roman word for helmet) will begin issue by 2011.

The new helmet stems from the Verbeterd Operationeel Soldaten Systeem (VOSS in Dutch or Improved Operational Soldiers’System, IOSS in English) and offers some tremendous advantages. The Galea weighs less, has a better fit and offers better protection. The helmet consists of multiple detachable parts, and the intention is that the dressed down variant has a friendly, approachable appearance. This benefits contact with the local population when out on patrol.

Galea weighs 1100 grams, almost half the weight of the current helmet, which has been in use since the 1990’s.

The helmet fitting form has been improved professionally, resulting in a secure fit on the head. New as well is the ergonomic mount for night vision goggles and the helmet may possibly be equipped with an air conditioning system, situated between the helmet and the head.

It is also fitted with separate neck, jaw, and ear pieces which cancel out noise at high ambient sound levels. TNO is currently researching how it can improve the protection of neck, throat, and face even more. The first test run of Galea helmets will be evaluated in the field later this year. The design itself has received several awards at a innovation summit in Prague.

More wearer comfort, more flexibility, and better protection are core components of Project VOSS. In addition to the helmet, a smart vest and a communications and combat information module are also being developed under the project. The goal is to improve and harmonize the battlefield capabilities of the soldier as much as possible. His gear is no longer is a collection of individual components, but a lightweight, wearable system in which the components needed are integrated as much as possible.

5500 frontline troops have been selected for participation in VOSS which is an evolution of the Soldier Modernization Program (SMP), which started in 1998.”

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BBC Video of New UK Helmet and Armor

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

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UK Releases New Helmet and Armor

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

The enhanced Mark 7 helmet and Osprey Assault body armor, which will provide equivalent ballistic protection to current systems but with a lighter weight and an improved fit were unveiled at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) equipment show this week in Millbrook.

The MOD has ordered over 10,000 sets of the new helmets and armor under initial contracts worth Â£16m, with companies including NP Aerospace, Morgan Armour Ltd, Aegis Engineering Ltd, Seyntex and Solo International Ltd. The 10,000 sets are reported to go to Infantry, Engineers, and medical with all other general purpose forces retaining the Mk6a helmet and current Osprey armor.

Just as in the case of the MICH becoming the general issue ACH here in the US, the new Mk 7 is a variant of the AC900/600 helmet worn by UKSF on CT role. Of further evidence of SOF influence over kit design, the new armor carrier is supplied by Solo International located near Hereford, home of the British SAS. However, based on information we have received in the past we do not believe that this new equipment is a part of the PECOC program but rather an interim solution to solve an urgent operation requirement. This would also account for the relatively small procurement.

The new Mk 7 helmet features a four point chin strap for enhanced stability, particularly while wearing helmet mounted night vision devices. Additionally, the front lip has been cut back in order to increase visibility while in the prone and is reported to include configurable pads like the US ACH.

While we did say that the new Osprey carrier is being supplied by Solo International, it is interesting to note that they outsource their manufacture. Additionally, the UK does not have an equivalent of the Berry Amendment to ensure domestic production of defense textile articles so at this point we are unsure where the carriers will actually be produced. In addition to the carrier, a new, lighter armor plate is reported to be on it’s way to the troops.

Pictures: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009

Tags: PECOC
Posted in Armor, Camo, Foreign, Helmets | 1 Comment »

Galea Photos

Monday, June 8th, 2009

In March we published a story about the Dutch military’s Galea helmet program. At a recent military show in the Netherlands they displayed this prototype. The program is still on track for a 2011 fielding.

On another note, the Dutch military also displayed Ops-Core helmets at this show and they most certainly would fulfill most requirements for a modular helmet system although the cost is still a bit prohibitive for some customers. However, Ops-Core recently revealed to us that they have developed an Aramid shell for the Ballistic FAST helmet which is much lower cost yet only raises the weight to that of a MICH.

Tags: Galea, Ops-Core
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Diesel Motorsport Helmets

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

For our motorcycle riding readers we bring you the Diesel Helmet. With an obvious military fighter pilot influence, the helmet was developed in association with AGV. It features an interchangeable drop down face shield, Mohican crest, and an ergonomic stitched leather neck support.

Available in Black, White, Green, and Bronze from Diesel.

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Introducing Juggernaut Defense, LLC

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Specializing in soldier-borne equipment design & engineering, Juggernaut Defense, LLC is a full-spectrum design consultancy dedicated to the military, law-enforcement, and public safety communities. Since 2000, Juggernaut Defense has been involved in many successful programs which have provided superior survivability, communication, and lethality systems to Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Special Operators fighting in both OIF and OEF. Juggernaut Defense (located in Scottsdale, Arizona) was spun off by Chris Stalzer in November 2008 from Juggernaut Design to focus its business toward government and military design problems.

Check out their website to learn about some of the projects they have already completed. www.juggdef.com

Tags: Juggernaut Defense LLC
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Tactical Impact Protection System

Monday, May 18th, 2009

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.

For more information visit www.helmetshock.com.

Tags: TIPS
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Joint Strike Fighter Helmet Mounted Display System

Monday, May 11th, 2009

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
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