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Integrated Head Protection System

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Integrated Head Protection System
A U.S. Army paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed in Afghanistan in 2019 wearing the IHPS with a communications headset.
TypeCombat helmet
Place of originUnited States of America
Service history
In service2019-present
Used byU.S. Army
WarsGlobal War on Terrorism
Production history
ManufacturerCeradyne
Produced2019-present
Specifications
WeightSize Medium: approx. 3 lbs/1.36 kg

The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) is the United States Army's newest combat helmet, intended to eventually replace the Advanced Combat Helmet and Enhanced Combat Helmet.[1] It was developed by the US Army Soldier Protection System (SPS) program, and is produced by Ceradyne, a 3M subsidiary. The helmet was first issued in 2019 to troops deploying to combat zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

History

The IHPS helmet began development as a replacement for the Advanced Combat Helmets and Enhanced Combat Helmets in 2013[2] under the U.S. Army's Soldier Protection System program, which is intended to improve soldier protection and performance while reducing weight of a soldiers Personal Protective Equipment. Low Rate Initial Production delivery began 2nd quarter of the 2018 fiscal year.[3] The helmet was first issued to troops deploying to combat zones through the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI) program.

In October 2019 the new helmet was reported to have saved a soldier’s life in Afghanistan, protecting his head from a brick thrown at his vehicle. [4]

Design

The IHPS, combined with Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP), completes the head protection portion of the Soldier Protection System. The IHPS is claimed to be 5% lighter than previous helmets, while offering improved blunt force impact, passive hearing and ballistic protection. An optional 2 lb/.9 kg applique armor plate is available for further improved ballistic protection.[5]

The IHPS uses a boltless chinstrap retention system, unlike previous helmets that needed pre drilled holes for bolts that fastened the chinstrap to the helmet, which created ballistic weakpoints.[6] The IHPS has an optional mandible with eye shield for maxillofacial protection, and side rails for attaching equipment like flashlights, cameras and helmet mounted headsets.[3] Both the legacy PVS-14 and PSQ-20 night vision devices can be mounted, as well as the new ENVG-B.

References

  1. ^ Keller, Jared (3 March 2019). "New Army Body, Helmet Coming To Soldiers Soon". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 2021-05-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ "Soldier Protection System Torso and Extremity Protection - Another System Built By The Lowest Bidder - Soldier Systems Daily". Soldier Systems. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 2021-05-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b "Soldier Protection System (SPS)". U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC).
  4. ^ Sheftick, Gary (21 October 2019). "New protective gear saves Soldier's life". Army News Service.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ Cox, Matthew (15 October 2019). "Army Secretly Fields Lighter Helmet that Offers More Ballistic Protection". Military.com. Retrieved 2021-05-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Pickrell, Ryan (7 March 2019). "US Army's new helmets and body armor will make soldiers lighter, faster, and even harder to kill". Business Insider. Retrieved 2021-05-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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