Next Generation Helmet System for Marine Corps

CFDRC in collaboration with GENTEX®, manufacturer of the Marine Corps Lightweight helmet (LWH), Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and Development Test units of the new Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) will develop a Next Generation (Next-Gen) helmet for the Marine Corps ground forces that provides improved protection against blunt force, ballistic and blast impact, fragmentation, flash heat, and battlefield noise. This will provide the Marine Corps a new helmet design with improved survivability, modularity, and reduced weight over the current Light Weight Helmet (LWH). In addition, critical human factor elements such as comfort, thermal management, weight, stability/center of gravity, safety, and seamless integration with helmet mounted devices will be addressed. In Phase I, the new helmet will be conceptualized and designed. At the end of Phase I project, the design, CAD models, materials, helmet components, retention/suspension systems, along with a Phase II plan will be provided to the Navy. In Phase II program a prototype helmet will be developed and tested. In Phase III we plan to conduct field tests with the Next-Gen helmet.