Increased Impact Protection of the Navy's Aviator Helmets

This is a proposal to complete the development of an improved energy absorbing liner for Navy aviator helmets. Work accomplished during Phase I has demonstrated that SKYDEX patented technology can provide superior energy absorption over current styrofoam liners. In addition, Phase I results showed that SKYDEX liners can potentially reduce the weight of the helmet system as well as provide very effective heat management through airflow. Tasks planned during the interim between Phase I and Phase II (interim work") will allow continued development of this design as part of Fast Track. For Phase II, SKYDEX proposes the following to facilitate fleet-wide liner upgrades of both HGU-68/P and HGU-84/P helmets:  Finish optimizing the SKYDEX liner design and material  Maximize energy absorption while minimizing weight  Utilize cutting-edge impact simulations  Perform extensive impact testing  Develop a manufacturing approach that supports high volume production  Work with aircrew cooling personnel to define airflow system integration  Work with the helmet manufacturer to integrate upgrades  Support initial flight testing of the new helmet system for size large  Support development of a generic finite element analysis (FEA) simulation that will allow streamlined phase-in of SKYDEX technology for other military and commercial helmets