For decades, special forces have been required to accept the trade-offs in protection level, weight and comfort in helmets. Ceradyne Inc., a 3M company, is helping eliminate such trade-offs with its new 3M Ultra Light Weight Ballistic Bump Helmet (ULW-BBH), which meets bump and ballistic operational requirements in a single, lightweight helmet. The helmet will debut at AUSA, Oct. 13 to 15 in Washington, D.C. at 3M Booth 7329.
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| The ULW-BBH demonstrates 3M’s capability to lead the industry in achieving the best performance-to-weight level in helmet development. The helmet also meets the expectations of operators for comfort, fit and compatibility with a multitude of devices.
“We put our engineering and advanced materials expertise to work to combine the capabilities of bump and ballistic helmets into one multiuse platform. The ULW-BBH provides exceptional protection, optimum mobility and reduces the equipment burden for special forces personnel,” said Cheryl Ingstad, 3M business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense.
The ULW-BBH provides blunt-impact protection equivalent to the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) for operations in the air and water, and during ground transportation. It also meets a common ballistic standard against the NIJ-IIIA level of threat and 17 Grain FSP V50.
The ULW-BBH shell weighs 30 percent less than the closest alternative and is designed to help reduce fatigue while improving mobility. The helmet uses the latest ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and is manufactured using a proprietary, seamless, ballistic molding technology. The retention system's boltless design helps minimize overall weight, removes a potential design weakness, and eliminates the possibility of bolts acting as secondary projectiles.
The ULW-BBH also uses a flexible rail system that is compatible with standard operational accessories, including night-vision goggles, hearing and vision protection equipment, lights and communications devices.
Ceradyne Inc. has a history of producing high-performance helmets for multimission requirements, including the Enhanced Combat Helmets (ECH) for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
The ULW-BBH will be on display with a wide range of 3M soldier protection and aerospace solutions at 3M Booth 7329 at AUSA. Attendees will be able to try on the helmet and learn more through a virtual demonstration. |