X-PAC

Archive for the ‘Helmets’ Category

Energizer to Launch New Lights at SHOT Show

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Last Fall we published a review of the Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light. We also posted a teaser on the new helmet light. They are being officially released at the upcoming SHOT show so we thought it would be a good time to jog everyone’s memory.

At AUSA we were able to sit down and take a look at Energizer’s new Helmet Light and as well as the Hard Case Tactical Light. Energizer is integrating state of the art technology in their line. They are using Cree lamps and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses to focus the most light possible.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical 2AA Second Generation Handheld Light
Energizer Hard Case Tactical Lights
As you can see, Energizer took the lessons learned from the first generation light and applied them to the new light. The first generation light is on the left and the new second generation light is on the right.

The Second Generation Light features six light modes with high and low settings:
-Bright white, high-intensity LED (70 lumens on high)
-Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Green LED for light-discipline and map-reading
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Additionally, Energizer has integrated two power features that greatly increase the utility of the light. The batteries are always inserted tip first, eliminating the need for polarity indicators and while the light runs on two AA batteries, it is fully functional with one AA battery. The other battery can be reversed inside the battery chamber as a spare.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Helmet Light
Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light

The Helmet Light offers four light modes:
-High-intensity White LED (35 lumens)
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Energizer’s Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources, providing a “quick-extinguish” feature. The IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating in order to prevent “Light NDs”.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light
The light mounts to either side of helmet with a standard screwdriver and can be rotated in 18-degree increments and locked into place. It can also be removed from its mount and attached to MOLLE equipment.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light mounted on helmet
The light mounts flush with the bottom lip of the helmet preventing the light from accidentally breaking.

Finally, Energizer is launching three new outdoor/hunting lights. The Night Strike line has its roots in the existing Tactical lineup.
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight

Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light
Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light

Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight

While we will publish more information soon one important feature that sets the Night Strike line apart from the Tactical line is that the IR features have been replaced with UV. This could prove very handy with LE and EMS professionals as well as hunters. Be sure to visit Energizer at the SHOT Show, Booth #601, West building, second level. Images of the new Night Strike line courtesy of Energizer.

Revision PDQ Goggle Strap

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Revision PDQ Goggle Strap

Revision introduced a new goggle strap last fall. Designed to make protective goggles and NVG mounts a bit more compatible, the PDQ Goggle Retention System snaps onto a set of Revision Desert Locust goggles, replacing the stock strap with short velcro extensions that attach to a helmet mounted elastic halo. The halo stays in place via gripper strips on the back and a rubber O-ring that mates best with the Army One-hole style NOD mount. However, you can mess with it to get it work with other systems as well.

Available in Black, Tan, Foliage and Coyote from US Cav.

Photo from US Cav.

Down Range Gear

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Down Range Gear recently launched their website and offers several innovative designs at low prices. In particular is the Night Vision Retention lanyard. At $2.50 it is a steal for those who require a simple leash for their NODs.

Down Range Gear’s Night Vision Retention

Available in Coyote and Foliage from Down Range Gear.

Xtreme-Comfortâ„¢ ACH Combat Helmet Browband from BQM

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Many Soldiers complained about the issue pad system for the ACH being non-absorbent and in some cases painful. BQM listened and came up with a one piece brow pad to combat sweat and provide even pressure around the forehead. Backed with velcro, the Browband locks into place.

XTREME-COMFORTâ„¢ ACH COMBAT HELMET BROWBAND

Lined with Coolmax® Dacron® the pad is comfortable and sweat is transferred into the Microbisoftâ„¢ hydrophilic foam core, a “breathable” 3/8” thick antimicrobial foam with an embedded polymer that features high moisture vapor transmission and absorption. Additionally, a Silver-ion treatment provides anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection to reduce odors.

XTREME-COMFORTâ„¢ ACH COMBAT HELMET BROWBAND

To order go to www.brigadeqm.com.

Photos from BQM. Please note that the Browpad has not been approved for airborne operations.

PT Helmets – Alpha Model

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

PT Helmets A-Alpha

For years unit life support shops have been modifying skate board helmets for use as bump helmets during activities such as CQB, maritime, and airborne operations. Modifications can be costly as well as have varying degrees of success. PT Helmets does the work for you with the Alpha helmet which they manufacture specifically for special DOD customers. The shell has the same tensile strength as a hard hat and the impact liner is designed for airborne operations. The crown pad is also removable as the helmet is designed to accommodate communications systems. In fact, excess material over the ears is removable in order to custom fit large ear cups.

PT Helmets Alpha Liner

The Alpha helmet comes standard with an integral goggle retention strap at the back of the helmet. Additionally, the helmet has a four point suspension with a nape pad that is similar to the MICH. This makes the helmet not only a more effective platform for NVGs but also safer for activities such as airborne operations. You can utilize the chin cup for a more secure fit or attach the strap under the chin when wearing protective masks. The chin strap is mounted using non-corrosive Black zinc Phillips head bolts.

PT Helmets Alpha

The helmet is available with optional velcro panels as well as removable MIL-STD 1913 rails. Also, the helmets are pre-drilled for both the Navy three hole pattern or Army one hole pattern NVG mount.

PT Helmets Alpha - OD

They are available on OD, Desert Tan, and Black non-reflective matte finishes. However, they are ready for paint right out of the box. To order contact PT Helmets. They are a very cost effective alternative to doing in house mods.

PT Helmets Alpha Model in Use

Photos courtesy of PT Helmets.

Wilcox Industries MHRS Type Classified

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Wilcox Industries

Wilcox’s Mission Helmet Recording System (MHRS) has been type classified as the AN/PSH-6 (Portable Special Recording Device according to the Joint Electronics Type Designation System) and assigned NSN: 5836-01-565-0663. We previously wrote about the MHRS in July. Since then some incremental improvements have been made to the system and it has been type classified. Type classification is a boon to organizations that rely extensively on the federal stock system to order equipment as they can use an NSN which seriously streamlines procurements.

Wilcox Industries MHRS

The camera module now mounts to Wilcox’s Dashboard Assembly, their new mounting plate. The Dashboard Assembly is the key to Wilcox’s modularity as it accepts the camera as well as NVGs and attaches to both one and three hole helmets.

For more information and a list of retailers contact Wilcox Industries.

Photos courtesy of Wilcox Industries. Export of this product is regulated by the US Department of State in accordance with guidelines of “International Traffic Arms Regulation (ITAR)” per Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations,
Parts 121-128.

Cadex Defence NOD Mount

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

Cadex Defence

Recently we began to introduce our readership to the Canadian firm, Cadex Defence. As we alluded to in that article, Cadex makes a wide variety of products. In fact, their “7-inch Hook” designed for climbing was featured on Defense News’ AUSA Blog. Although still somewhat rare, Cadex manufactures a NOD Mount that is in use by some of our country’s most elite forces.

CADEX Defence NOD Mount

Flexibility was the key when the mount was designed. Since it is a strap based design it will work with a variety of helmets. Additionally, it will accept both bayonet and dove tail brackets and is designed to accept external battery packs or counter weights on the rear of the mount.

Cadex NVG Mount

The mount allows the operator to adjust the tension of the flip up mount preventing the NODs from falling down when in the up position.

Go to Cadex Defence to check out their line of products. Most of their products aren’t on their site so if you have specialist requirements it is best to contact them directly.

BAE Corona Pictures

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

BAE’s Corona was on prominent display at AUSA. Finally, pictures reveal the intricate detail of the Corona design.

BAE Corona Front

BAE Corona

BAE Corona Back

The blue cast on the pictures is from the booth’s mood lighting. I suppose it was to help you envision the future. Speaking of future, below is a photo of a BAE conceptual helmet with one of the shell panels removed in order to demonstrate the construction.
BAE Concept Helmet