A Tactical Power and Data Personal Area Network for Helmet-Mounted Electronics

Through programs such as the US Air Force’s BAO Kit, significant power and data management capabilities are being developed to help manage electronic devices on body. However, the helmet remains a zone that has not been addressed and new helmet-mounted devices, including the Night Vision Goggles (NVGs),lighting and other sensors, are beginning to drive the need for a helmet-based power and data management personal area network (PAN) solution. To meet this critical need, Human Systems Integration, Inc. (HSI), a leading developer and provider of Wearable Electronics products and solutions, will develop and implement a new Tactical Personal Area Network for the Helmet (TacPAN-H) to ergonomically, ruggedly and reliably interconnect the complex electronic functionality of the modern warfighter helmet. The TacPAN-H system manifests itself as a rugged, conformal power and data distribution system, backboned by a helmet-integrated power and data hub, that is easily appliqued to any military or commercial helmet and is configurable, to customer requirements, to enable the connection of any desired set of helmet-mounted electronics.