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Gentex Corporation’s PURSUIT Helmet System has been selected as the next-generation fixed wing helmet by the US Naval Aircrew Systems program office.
The Navy awarded a US$22 million five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to deliver more than 5,000 next-generation fixed wing helmet (NGFWH) systems and associated spares under the announcement made late last month.
The next-generation helmet is expected to be fielded across all US Navy fixed wing aircraft, including E-2D, F/A-18, E/A-18G, T-45, T-6 and the in-development Undergraduate Jet Training System; awarded under PMA-202’s Helmet Mask Regulator program and covering both low-rate initial production and full-rate production.
“This contract award from the US Navy is a significant milestone for Gentex and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing the world’s most innovative protection solutions for warfighters,” according to Gentex Corporation aircrew systems vice president Robert McCay.
“The PURSUIT system delivers meaningful advancements in aircrew safety, comfort and mission performance, ensuring naval aviators and naval flight officers are equipped with technology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation.
“We are honoured to continue our trusted partnership with the US Navy and look forward to providing the US military and international allies with the PURSUIT Helmet System for decades to come.”
PURSUIT is expected to directly address longstanding aircrew concerns identified across the services, including neck strain from poorly balanced helmets due to suboptimal helmet-mounted displays (HMD)/night vision goggles (NVG) integration and heightened ejection seat injury risk.
The helmet’s modular, lightweight design with an optimised centre of gravity and Gentex’s collaboration with various HMD original equipment manufacturers allow the delivery of advanced technology solutions that provide aircrew with an immediate, tactically relevant helmet solution that ensures 600 KEAS protection.
PURSUIT’s lightweight carbon shell is expected to reduce neck and spine strain, lowering the risk of short and long-term injuries from extended missions and high-G manoeuvres. The helmet’s optimised balance and centre of gravity provide aircrew with a secure, stable fit during dynamic manoeuvring in all HMD/NVG configurations.
Fully compliant with the US Navy and US Air Force performance standards, it incorporates a modular open system approach, enabling seamless integration of current and future HMDs, advanced communications systems and optical and respiratory protection.
