Integrated Head Protection System

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]

Integrated Head Protection System
IHPS helmet with the AN/PSQ-42 ENVG-B Helmet Mount Assembly
TypeCombat helmet
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2019–present
Used byU.S. Army
WarsGlobal War on Terrorism
Production history
ManufacturerAvon Protection | Ceradyne 3M
Produced2019–present
Specifications
WeightSize Medium: approx. 3 lbs/1.36 kg

It was developed by the US Army PEO Soldier's Soldier Protection System (SPS) program, and is produced by Avon Protection Ceradyne, a subsidiary of Avon Protection.

The helmet was first issued in 2019 to troops deploying to combat zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

History
U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division soldiers wearing the IHPS during the 2019–20 attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
A U.S. Army paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed in Afghanistan in 2019 wearing the IHPS with a communications headset.

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]

The IHPS was deployed with U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division soldiers during the 2019–20 attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

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 boltless chinstrap attachment on the IHPS helmet.

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 AN/PVS-14 and AN/PSQ-20 night vision devices can be mounted, as well as the new AN/PSQ-42 ENVG-B. In late 2021, Avon Protection Ceradyne announced the completed development of a proprietary rail-mounted adapter for 3M-produced Peltor ComTac headsets, likely in response to the common complaint among troops that the helmet previously lacked the communications integration capabilities that are quickly becoming the norm with the rising popularity of high-cut style helmets.[7]

References
  1. Keller, Jared (3 March 2019). "New Army Body, Helmet Coming To Soldiers Soon". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 2021-05-03.
  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.
  3. "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.
  5. Cox, Matthew (15 October 2019). "Army Secretly Fields Lighter Helmet that Offers More Ballistic Protection". Military.com. Retrieved 2021-05-03.
  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.
  7. "PRESS RELEASE - A NEW APPROACH TO PROTECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE IHPS HELMET". Avon Protection. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
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