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3M Peltor ComTac 6

Monday, March 18th, 2019

One of the most impressive things I saw at this year’s SHOT Show has finally been released for sale. The ComTac 6 may look like previous incarnations, but inside, it’s all new.

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It features Mission Audio Profile (MAP) and Natural Interaction Behavior (NIB) that enables natural face to face communication in noisy environment.

This video explains these features.

The MAPs include: Observation, Patrolling, Conversation, Comfort and Mic Off.

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They’ve done a great job with the five Mission Audio Profiles, but Natural Interaction Behavior is what sets it apart. Imagine being able to communicate in a vehicle or on an aircraft without having to connect to the Internal Communication System. Normally, only one passenger can connect to an aircraft ICS, making it difficult to communicate with one another while flying. The COMTAC 6 changes all of that. With NIB, the ground force can communicate. They can also use the system while in close proximity to one another (10m), like in a common room, NIB kicks in anytime noise levels are above 72 dB.

They’ve also redesigned the headband and introduced a new boom mic with internal foam to help cancel noise. The boom will also accommodate left or right handed shooters without moving from one side to the other.

The Peltor ComTac 6 is available for unit and agency order from ADS.

Tags: 3M, Peltor
Posted in Comms | 6 Comments »

The Newest Addition of 3M Ballistic Helmets: 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 Allows for Flexibility of Use in Multiple Operational Environments

Tuesday, October 9th, 2018

Configurable helmet designed for broad use from combat operations to law enforcement

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Oct. 8, 2018 – Military and police forces across the world require cutting-edge protection to match an ever-evolving range of operational environments. Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, designed the new

3M Ballistic Helmet F70 for maximum flexibility of use in military combat missions, special forces operations and law enforcement tactical operations. The helmet leverages 3M expertise to deliver its high level of protection for its low weight.

The 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 provides a unique combination of ballistic performance, low weight, modular system design and optimized geometry. The helmet comes in both high cut and mid cut (full coverage) versions and offers an optional ballistic mandible and ballistic visor. The helmet geometry is engineered for improved coverage of critical areas and increased stability and comfort.

Unlike conventional helmet designs, the no thru-hole design eliminates weak spots in the ballistic shell by removing thru-holes for the night vision device shroud, retention system and rails. With this state-of-the-art design, bolts can no longer become secondary projectiles during a ballistic event.

“Every detail matters when it comes to protecting those who serve their countries and communities, and that’s why we continually develop advanced solutions like the 3M Ballistic Helmet F70,” said Terry Griffith, defense business manager, 3M Advanced Materials Division. “We ensure our designs use the highest standards for compliance-driven manufacturing that have earned 3M a reputation our customers can trust. Everything we do is driven by a deep passion to help military and law enforcement stay safe as they work to achieve their vital objectives.”

The 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 meets or exceeds all commonly specified Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) requirements for ballistic fragmentation and bump protection and meets NIJ IIIA ballistic penetration protection standards. It provides V50 fragmentation protection against 17 grain (.22 caliber) FSP at greater than 2,750 feet per second (greater than 840 meters per second) when tested in accordance with NATO STANAG 2920. The ballistic shell weight is 1.68 pounds (770 grams) in the high cut version and 1.91 pounds (870 grams) in the mid cut version.

The Air Force Test Parachute Program (TPP) also conducted an evaluation of the 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 and determined it to be suitable for Air Force static line and military free fall operations.

Each F70 helmet comes with reverse dovetail rails that accept common industry accessories. Optional accessories designed for the helmet include ballistic mandibles, visors, helmet covers, over ear ballistic protection (high cut) and counterweights. In addition, the helmet works seamlessly with 3M PELTOR communications and hearing protection solutions.

3M will debut the helmet at booth 7741 at the AUSA 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 8-10, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The helmet will be available for sale in December 2018.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

Tags: 3M
Posted in Armor, AUSA, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on The Newest Addition of 3M Ballistic Helmets: 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 Allows for Flexibility of Use in Multiple Operational Environments

U.S. Army Awards 3M Additional $34 Million for Helmets of the Future

Friday, March 2nd, 2018

3M-designed Integrated Head Protection System is Army’s most advanced ballistic helmet to date

ST. PAUL, Minn. – March 1, 2018 – The U.S. Army has awarded Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, an additional $34 million to continue supplying its ballistic helmet of the future. The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) – which Popular Mechanics described as “straight out of science fiction” – uses advanced materials, an ultramodern design and add-on accessories to give soldiers greater comfort and advanced protection for modern missions. This brings Ceradyne’s total IHPS contract value to more than $52 million.

The U.S. Army created the highly technical IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet with passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. It is a component of the Army’s next-generation Soldier Protection System (SPS) program, which seeks to optimize soldier protection while reducing total equipment weight.

“This order reinforces the Army’s confidence in 3M to design and produce the IHPS, which is so advanced, it sets a new global standard for head protection,” said Cheryl Ingstad, global business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M.

The IHPS is designed to protect against modern battlefield threats, including powerful rifle projectiles and handgun bullets. It can be fitted with accessories, such as mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment, rails and a modular ballistic applique for increased protection. 3M will begin delivery in early 2018 and will continue to deliver throughout the year.

For more information about 3M ballistic helmets, visit www.3M.com/ballistichelmets.

Tags: 3M
Posted in Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | 29 Comments »

3M Showcases Latest Advances in Soldier Protection at AUSA 2017

Monday, October 9th, 2017

Products leverage 3M’s advanced-materials expertise to give soldiers optimal protection at a light weight

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Oct. 9, 2017 – Greater threats and changing missions demand a higher caliber of head and body protection than what many militaries around the world use today. 3M will be showcasing a family of soldier protection solutions that address this need in Booth 7243 at the AUSA 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Among the 3M offerings on display will be the new Combat II Ballistic Helmet L110. This state-of-the-art helmet delivers 3M’s highest ballistic protection to date. Developed by Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, the L110 helmet is based on technology that has been tested, fielded and proven with the U.S. military.

“There’s tremendous interest globally for head protection that defends against today’s most prevalent threats, like explosive devices and rifle bullets, at the lightest possible weight,” said Cheryl Ingstad, business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M. “We put our scientific expertise to work to deliver exactly that in the L110 helmet. We look forward to discussing the L110 helmet, our range of innovative soldier-protection offerings and future advancements at this year’s event.”

3M representatives will also be available at AUSA to discuss the company’s support for the U.S. Army’s Soldier Protection System (SPS) program.

Ceradyne was awarded a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract in 2016 for the program’s Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) component. The IHPS will give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system with passive hearing protection and increased blunt impact performance. The 3M IHPS offering is currently undergoing government testing.

Ceradyne was also awarded an LRIP contract for the SPS’s Vital Torso Protection (VTP) component, which seeks to give soldiers lighter-weight body armor inserts. Government testing of these inserts has been completed.

With more than 70 years of support for the U.S. Armed Forces, 46 technology platforms and proven performance in the field, 3M can help program managers solve their toughest challenges. Life-saving 3M innovations include: lightweight ballistic helmets and body armor, aircraft armor, 3M™ PELTOR™ tactical communications, and respiratory, hearing and eye protection.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

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Posted in AUSA, Press Release | Comments Off on 3M Showcases Latest Advances in Soldier Protection at AUSA 2017

Combat II Ballistic Helmet L110 From 3M Modernizes Head Protection for Today’s Threats

Wednesday, October 4th, 2017

New helmet offers greatest protection level in its weight classification

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Sept. 28, 2017 – Globally, military and police forces are seeking a state-of-the-art helmet to protect their service members from modern threats, like rifle fire and explosive devices. Ceradyne Inc., a 3M company, designed the new Combat II Ballistic Helmet L110 to meet this pressing need at a level of comfort that appeals to users. The helmet leverages 3M scientific expertise to deliver its highest ballistic protection to date, and is based on a technology that has already been proven with the U.S. military.

Designed for military combat operations and counterterrorism police missions, the Combat II L110 helmet can help protect service members from bomb fragmentations, certain rifle projectiles, handgun bullets and blunt impacts. The helmet provides protection against select small arms projectiles including V50 ballistic limit value greater than 2,400 feet per second (greater than 731 meters per second) against the 7.62 x 51 mm M80 NATO ball projectile.

“A helmet’s job first and foremost is to protect our defenders in harm’s way, and today that requires an advanced solution like the Combat II Ballistic Helmet L110,” said Cheryl Ingstad, business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M. “Our engineers put their passion and scientific expertise toward inventing a cutting-edge helmet that gets the most from the latest advanced materials. Military and law enforcement can take comfort knowing they have a partner in 3M that deeply cares about keeping service members safe.”

The Combat II L110 helmet achieves its high level of protection without increased weight. This allows military and police forces to receive greater protection without sacrificing mobility, which is required for today’s increasingly urban missions and close-quarters combat.

To date, Ceradyne has produced tens of thousands of helmets that utilize similar technology to the L110 helmet. Ceradyne can manufacture the helmet today in large quantities, at high quality under tight timelines. Additionally, local support can be provided to customers across their program’s life cycle.

Ceradyne produces the Combat II L110 helmet with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene composites and uses proprietary, seamless, ballistic-molding technology to form a durable protective shell. The helmet’s proven geometry allows uninhibited movement when the helmet is worn with most ballistic vests with collars. The helmet is offered in sizes small through extra-large and supports a variety of accessories and communication needs.

3M will debut the helmet at Booth 7243 at the AUSA 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 9-11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

Tags: 3M
Posted in AUSA, Helmets, Press Release | 11 Comments »

3M Announces Peltor SecureFit Protective Eyewear 600 Tactical Series

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

3M Company, the Original Equipment Manufacturer for PELTOR branded products, is pleased to announce the launch of the 3M™ SecureFit™ Protective Eyewear 600 Tactical Series (SF600-TAC), which offers military and law enforcement professionals a comfortable, high performance spectacle that re-evaluates traditional concepts of form, fit, and function.

SF600-TAC features 3M’s proprietary Pressure Diffusion Temple (PDT) Technology. This technology is used to create a thin, self-adjusting temple with no moving parts and nothing to adjust. This helps relieve pressure over the ears and helps keep a secure, comfortable fit. Securefit’s thin temple design also minimizes interference and attenuation loss with over-the-ear hearing protectors, such as PELTOR COMTAC Tactical Communication headsets.

SF600-TAC comes standard with 3M’s Scotchgard™ Anti-fog coating for long-lasting clarity that resists fogging longer than traditional coatings, even after multiple washes. In addition, the SF600-TAC models are all tested to the Military Vo High Velocity Impact Standard of MIL-PRF 32432(GL).

Three lens options are available within this new product series: clear, grey and amber, in matte black (non-reflective) frames. A photochromic model will be launched later this year. SecureFit 600 Tactical Series: Now In Stock!

Contact a 3M Government Sales Specialist to set up a test and evaluation and watch the following testimonial video of our new product!

www.3M.com/tacticalppe

Tags: 3M, Peltor
Posted in Eyepro | Comments Off on 3M Announces Peltor SecureFit Protective Eyewear 600 Tactical Series

US Army and 3M Provide Hearing Protection for Soldiers

Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Army’s PEO Soldier Orders 3M™ Personal Safety Division™ Tactical Communication and Protective Systems

ST. PAUL, Minn. The U.S. Army has accepted two 3M™ products to equip soldiers with hearing protection and auditory situational awareness. The 3M Personal Safety Division has received initial orders for more than 6,500 devices that include 3M™ PELTOR™ TEP-100 Tactical Earplug Kits and 3M™ PELTOR™ COMTAC™ III ACH Communications headsets, plus spare parts and accessories totaling more than $1.6 million. Deployment of these Tactical Communications and Protective Systems (TCAPS) is managed by PEO Soldier.

“3M supports PEO Soldier’s objective to maintain hearing protection and prevent hearing loss. These products will help soldiers be more effective in combat, and will help allow them to return home with their hearing intact,” said Shawn Gregg, U.S. Business Director, 3M Personal Safety Division.

“Our history with U.S. Special Forces, collaboration with the U.S. Army, and relationships with U.S. Military Audiologists all helped contribute to the hearing solutions we have been asked to supply,” said Doug Moses, U.S. Product Marketer for Protective Communications at 3M Personal Safety Division.

The patented 3M PELTOR TEP-100 earplugs were introduced to the market in 2014 when demand for ruggedized, stand-alone electronic “in-the-ear” hearing protection devices surfaced. 3M’s research and development team responded by designing and developing a low-cost, easy-to-use, system that could be utilized in a wide range of applications, and in remote locations. A key application was for military service members and tactical law enforcement teams requiring auditory situational awareness, as well as hearing protectors to protect against the effects of hazardous noise.

The 3M PELTOR COMTAC III ACH was originally introduced to U.S. Military forces and law enforcement tactical teams in the early 2000s. The COMTAC Headset was the first tactical communications headset to offer an environmental listening function, sometimes referred to as “Talk-Through,” which enhances the ability to locate and identify opposing forces, by allowing safe audio sounds through. The headset reduces harmful noises, which promotes increased mission effectiveness, safety and survivability. The headset utilizes a proprietary digital audio circuit to sense noise levels above the desired threshold and compress them to a safe decibel level. Additionally, weak sounds can be amplified to an audible level, to better serve team members with existing hearing loss. Now in its fourth generation, over 600,000 systems have been delivered to military forces worldwide.

3M PELTOR COMTAC Headsets and Tactical Earplugs are commercially available and sold through the 3M distribution network. For more information, please visit 3m.com/tacticalppe.

3M is a global leader in hearing conservation, specializing in hearing protection devices, communication solutions in high noise environments, detection products such as noise dosimeters, fit validation systems and seen as an education authority throughout the world. To learn more about 3M hearing protection, please visit: www.3m.com/hearingprotection. To speak to a 3M specialist about a particular safety issue or training need, please call 800-243-4630.

Tags: 3M
Posted in Contracts, Eyepro, Press Release | 1 Comment »

3M Subsidiary Wins Contracts for Two U.S. Army Soldier Protection Programs

Saturday, January 14th, 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn — The U.S. Army has selected Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, as the awardee for two low-rate initial production (LRIP) contracts for next-generation helmet systems and hard body armor inserts as part of the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) and Vital Torso Protection (VTP) – Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) components of the Soldier Protection System (SPS).

The Army designed the IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. This helmet system includes numerous accessories, including a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and modular ballistic applique. The contract awarded to Ceradyne is valued at over $7 million for the delivery of more than 5,300 IHPS helmet systems. Production is expected to start in 2017.

The VTP will equip soldiers with lighter-weight body armor inserts. The $36 million contract is for the production of more than 30,000 ESAPI, with production also expected to start in 2017. This VTP award is an addition to a previous $34 million award, for a total of $70 million on the VTP LRIP contract.

“We are honored to be the awardee of these prestigious contracts,” said Cheryl Ingstad, business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M. “The SPS program represents the highest level of lightweight technology to date. Our focus from the onset has been to meet the Army’s stringent specifications for the SPS, and that will continue as we move into initial production. As a leading science company, 3M has deep expertise in advanced lightweight materials, which, combined with our proven production history, differentiates our defense offerings.”

The SPS will replace the Army’s current personal protective equipment (PPE) system. It is designed to defeat current threats while providing an overall weight reduction for soldiers compared to existing PPE. Both the IHPS and VTP began as research and development programs with multiple contenders.

Ceradyne has delivered more than 120,000 enhanced combat helmets (ECH) to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps since 2014. The ECH offers the highest protection level of any helmet in the U.S. Armed Forces inventory, even protecting against certain small arms threats. Ceradyne has also delivered more than 2 million hard body armor inserts to the U.S. Armed Forces to date.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.

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Posted in Armor, PEO-Soldier, Press Release | Comments Off on 3M Subsidiary Wins Contracts for Two U.S. Army Soldier Protection Programs