New helmet program focuses on stopping power

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/04/marine_helmet_041909w/

By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Apr 19, 2009 8:26:29 EDT

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps and Army are pushing forward with a plan to roll out a new, tougher battlefield helmet, but will keep existing padding inside despite criticism over safety and comfort.

The development of a new Enhanced Combat Helmet has been identified as high-priority, meaning manufacturers will be pressured to deliver prototypes for testing within 30 days of a contract being awarded. No timeline for fielding has been released, but a contract competition is expected to be launched by the end of April.

The services are working together in a “critical and fast-moving effort,” said Lt. Col. A.J. Pasagian, program manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at Marine Corps Systems Command.

“Whether it’s an alloy or another material, we’re looking at it,” Pasagian said. “This is one of those things that you pull all-nighters for. We’re working very hard to increase protection levels.”

[ READ THE FULL STORY ]

Reading: New helmet program focuses on stopping powerTweet this!