Gentex, a US-based personal protection equipment provider, has secured a contract to deliver Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets (AAIHs) to the US Army.
Under the contract, worth around $13m, Gentex will supply AAIHs for crew operating Apache helicopters.
The integrated helmet is said to be a key component of the next generation Apache helicopter, the AH-64E, which will be flown by more than 15 countries, Gentex stated.
Gentex aircrew systems vice-president Robert McCay said: "We’re proud to have been chosen to continue producing this next-generation aviator helmet for the army.
“Providing the helmet to the army directly allows for better pricing, and streamlined engineering and integration support.”
Based on Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System, the AAIH is an integrated helmet, display, and sight system with improved safety features and comfort to provide situational awareness and targeting information.
Work under the AAIH contract will be performed at Gentex’s large capacity manufacturing facility in Simpson, Pennsylvania, US, with plans for completion by June 2022.
Gentex supplies personal protection and situational awareness products to global defence forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel.
The company’s product portfolio includes helmet system platforms and capability upgrades for defence and security forces, which are sold under the Gentex, Ops-Core, ALPHA, Cromwell, and Argus brands.
Gentex also offers Aegisound hearing protection and communications products for military and industrial personnel; PureFlo industrial respiratory protection systems; Dual Mirror aluminised fabrics; and Filtron light management technology.
Image: The integrated helmet is claimed to be a key component of the next generation Apache helicopter, the AH-64E. Photo: courtesy of Gentex.
