Ops-Core 2010 Helmet Rail
October 6th, 2009 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis
Ops-Core introduced an update to their helmet-mounted rail, so far dubbing it the 2010 Ops-Core Rail. They are aiming to keep the price the same as their older model, around $85, but adding a few more features.
The new rail, shown as a prototype above, has a retractable bungie, Oxygen mask attachment points, chem-bio attachment points, mandible attachment anchors and an auxiliary rear rail for other items like goggles and comm gear.
Revision MPAS – Modular Protection Attachment System
October 5th, 2009 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis
Revision’s Modular Protection Attachment System is a three part system that adds considerable protection to the face without compromising standard military accessory integration or adding huge amounts of weight.
The first element of the system is the halo. It attaches to a standard ACH and adds a milspec, low profile NVG mount, Ops-Core side rails and a rear mounted anchor point for the mandible shroud. The halo weighs about 75g, that’s 15 grams more than a current NVG mount.
The second part is the dual hinged eye shield that drops down and protects the eyes and upper face. The dual hinge keeps the visor from sticking straight out when not in use. It also locks in two positions, one that allows air to escape through the top and a second, tightly sealed position.
The third and final part of the system is one of three mandible guards. Revision offers a titanium wire mask for crowd control situations, and two ballistic versions with more and less cheek coverage that let the user choose between protection or weight. The ballistic mandible guard is rated the same or better than the ballistic rating for the ACH. No word on price, yet. Revision is looking to release the MPAS next year.
More pics of different configurations after the break.
SCREWED – The Army Recalls 30,000 ACHs
May 2nd, 2009 | Programatics | Posted by Rob Curtis
Army Times reporter Matt Cox is reporting the Army is pulling approximately 37,000 Advanced Combat Helmets off soldier’s head’s. An improper coating on screws used by one of Gentex’s subcontractor is causing the screws to rust. That rust is leading to the loss of ballistic performance as borne out by tests performed by the Army.
It’s not as bad as it sounds, though. Of the 30,000 issued to soldiers and airmen, about 27,000 have already been collected. From Matt’s story:
Gentex notified the Army in January that one of its subcontractors used “a different finish on the screws than what is required by the government,” Myles said. The finish is designed to protect the screws from corrosion.
The former subcontractor, A.J. Hughes Screw Products Company Inc., is under investigation by Army CID and Gentex is not, said Ken Lee, corporate counsel for Gentex.
The Army pulled samples of the helmets and found that extreme environmental conditions caused the substitute screw coating to degrade prematurely and create a weak spot in the helmet, Myles said.
Marines Lead Agent on Enhanced Combat Helmet
April 20th, 2009 | Programatics | Posted by Rob Curtis
Looks like the Marines are putting their money behind a the 7.62mm resistant helmet. We heard about SOCOM’s MICH Enhanced program back in December, but now it looks like the SYSCOM, PEO Soldier and Natick are all in the market for a new helmet. According to Marine Corps Times reporter Dan Lamothe’s story, the Marines will likely get an upgraded shell without addressing the unpopular pad system.
SOCOM Hits Pause on MICH Improvements
February 4th, 2009 | Contracts | Posted by Rob Curtis
A few months back USSOCOM and Natick started looking for an improved MICH helmet. Well, they turned the lights out on that solicitation in early January.
USSOCOM wanted to provide operators with two new versions of the MICH shell- “MICH-Standard” would have been lighter and more configurable than the current version with the same ballistic protection level, and “MICH Enhanced” that would have added improved protection against 7.62 x 39mm PS ball over the MICH-Standard.
UPDATE: Turns out that Natick pulled the solicitaion so they could talk to vendors at Shot Show without running afoul of some acquisition laws…
Shot 09- Ops-Core Quits Beating Around the Bush, Releases Own Helmets
January 18th, 2009 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis
Ops-Core, known for their super comfy and secure helmet strap system, have finally birthed their own brain buckets. The FAST Bump Shell and the FAST The FAST Bump Shell and the FAST Ballistic Shell are operator-only with their “gun-fighter”, high ear cut, reminiscent of the MICH 2002. The 1.50 lbs Bump doesn’t offer any ballistic protection beyond a bat to the head, but it is light thanks to its carbon fiber shell. The Ballistic carries an NIJ IIIA rating and weighs 2.93 pounds. More details and a bigger pics after the break.