New pilot helmets for the Bundeswehr

The helicopter pilots of the Air Force and Army will receive new aviation helmet systems. The Procurement Office of the Bundeswehr recently awarded a contract to Gentex Corporation for the delivery of 1,850 commercially available helmet systems. This covers the current demand completely.

The improved shell construction of the helmet systems, combined with ear protection capsules attached to the helmet shell, provides significantly enhanced sound insulation. This results in clearer communication and reduced noise exposure for the users.

The helmet is individually configurable in terms of dust and face protection, flexible choice of laser or sun protection, and the attachment of night vision devices. The modular design allows for fleet-wide use with almost all helicopters used by the Army and Air Force.

Prior to this, the system underwent approval. This included extensive testing of the helmet systems with several helicopter squadrons for the major weapon systems. Certification was successfully completed in November 2023.

The new aviation helmet systems will replace the existing helmets entirely. The first helmets will be available to helicopter pilots starting in August. The procurement of all helmet systems is expected to be completed by the second half of 2024.

GERMAN ARMED FORCES online