The U.S. Army has awarded Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, an additional $34 million to continue supplying its ballistic helmet of the future. The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) – which Popular Mechanics described as straight out of science fiction – uses advanced materials, an ultramodern design and add-on accessories to give soldiers greater comfort and advanced protection for modern missions. This brings Ceradyne’s total IHPS contract value to more than $52 million.

IPHS helmet (Picture source PM SCIE Facebook page)

The U.S. Army created the highly technical IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet with passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. It is a component of the Army’s next-generation Soldier Protection System (SPS) program, which seeks to optimize soldier protection while reducing total equipment weight.

"This order reinforces the Army’s confidence in 3M to design and produce the IHPS, which is so advanced, it sets a new global standard for head protection," said Cheryl Ingstad, global business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M.

The IHPS is designed to protect against modern battlefield threats, including powerful rifle projectiles and handgun bullets. It can be fitted with accessories, such as mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment, rails and a modular ballistic applique for increased protection. 3M will begin delivery in early 2018 and will continue to deliver throughout the year.

The U.S. Army designed the IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. This helmet system includes numerous accessories, including a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and modular ballistic applique.