US Army Began Using Next-Gen Helmets

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Soldiers in the United States Army have begun using the next generation of helmets called the Integrated Head Protective System, or IHPS.

The IHPS weighs less than the helmets currently in use by the Army, however at the same time it provides better ballistic protection. The helmet is slightly larger than conventional Army helmets since it has a “motorcycle helmet” shape, protecting the wearers head, face, and chin.

The first troops to receive the IHPS were soldiers in an armored unit stationed in Afghanistan a few months ago. Military officials have mentioned that less than a week after the unit has received the helmets, the IHPS played a critical role in saving a soldier’s life.

During a patrol out in the Afghani streets a “raucous” broke out, as Defence-blog.com puts it. During the commotion, a brick came flying towards a turret gunner’s neck. Luckily, the soldier had the IHPS on with his maxillofacial protection connected to the helmet, thus saving the soldiers life from the brick.

Interestingly enough, the neck protection for the helmet was designed specifically so turret gunner could have added protection from objects being thrown at them.

A generation II model of the IHPS is also being tested by U.S. soldiers. Approximately 150 helmets have been issued to Infantry soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas for testing.

The new helmets are part of the Soldier Protection System (SPS) which is meant to increase soldier’s agility, maneuverability, and ballistic protection, all while decreasing the armor’s weight.

The modular SPS will grant soldiers added flexibility when it comes to personal armor protection. The protection system is intended to be modifiable in accordance to the soldiers mission and threat level.

The SPS includes different sized torso plates for a modular vest that comes in several sizes. 

The main idea of the SPS is that equipment will fit all sizes of soldiers.

The SPS also came equipped with protective undergarments, however soldiers have mentioned that the excess heat and chafing made the protective underwear too uncomfortable. Instead the military developed outer armor that protects the main arteries and veins in the thighs.

The armor’s material is made specifically to quick dry and cool down soldiers.

The armor is currently being issued to infantry and armor soldiers during their training, along with their regular combat gear.