The US Army has completed the first fielding of its Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) to approximately 2,000 troops.
NG-IHPS is the agency’s latest combat helmet, set to replace the older Integrated Head Protection System, the Advanced Combat Helmet, and the Enhanced Combat Helmet, introduced in the early 2000s.
The new headgear incorporates retention and suspension systems, an improved cover, and a night vision bracket to integrate additional components such as hearing protection, a mandible protector, and communication devices.
The NG-IHPS is also compatible with heads-up displays such as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular.
“The NG-IHPS provides increased ballistic and fragmentation protection while reducing the weight required to previously reach this protection level by 40%,” US Army Head Protection Team Assistant Program Manager Maj. Matthew Nulk stated.
“This is world-leading rifle threat protection we’re providing to our Soldiers.”
‘Significant Progress’
The US Army wrote that the initial NG-IHPS tranche was distributed to the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the Fort Bragg-based 82nd Airborne Division.
The agency is scheduled to supply additional helmets to the division’s 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams this quarter.
Meanwhile, the overall fielding is expected to be delivered across all close-combat force units over the next three years.
“This fielding marks significant progress for Soldier protective equipment as it equips Soldiers with protection against relevant battlefield threats, and the innovative helmet design is a purpose-built platform for integration now, and with future Soldier-enabling devices,” Soldier Protective Equipment Product Manager Lt. Col. Ken Elgort said.