The US Naval Aircrew Systems programme office (PMA-202) has selected Gentex’s PURSUIT Helmet System as the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) for its aircrew.
As part of the five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, Gentex will deliver more than 5,000 helmet systems and related spares.
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The agreement, valued at approximately $22m over the contract period, will support all Navy fixed wing aircraft, including E-2D, E/A-18G, F/A-18, T-6, T-45, as well as the upcoming Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS).
Officials awarded the contract under PMA-202’s Helmet Mask Regulator programme and it encompasses both Low-Rate Initial Production and Full-Rate Production phases.
The PURSUIT Helmet System was developed through collaboration with stakeholders from the US Navy and Air Force, helmet-mounted display (HMD) original equipment manufacturers, and international partners.
Its design is intended to address the long-term concerns from aircrew regarding issues such as neck strain caused by poorly balanced helmets and the risk of injury during ejection.
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By GlobalDataGentex’s helmet system features a modular and lightweight structure with an optimised centre of gravity.
The architecture supports 600 KEAS protection and is compatible with advanced technology solutions through cooperation with HMD manufacturers.
According to Gentex, this approach provides aircrew with an immediate helmet solution that meets operational requirements.
Gentex aircrew systems vice president Robert McCay said: “The PURSUIT system delivers meaningful advancements in aircrew safety, comfort, and mission performance, ensuring Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers are equipped with technology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation.
McCay added that the company would be seeking to provide the US military for international customers with PURSUIT for “decades to come”.
