The US Navy has officially selected the PURSUIT helmet developed by Gentex Group as the next generation helmet for fixed-wing aircraft pilots, in an effort to modernize aircraft equipment.
PURSUIT is a new generation pilot helmet, designed to reduce physical stress for users, while supporting advanced display systems on helmets and improving comfort in long-range missions with high acceleration.
According to announced information, Gentex, a corporation based in Michigan, will provide the PURSUIT system to the US Navy in the near future, opening a new phase in head protection equipment for military pilots.
This helmet is designed to be compatible with modern helmet-mounted screens, meeting the increasing requirements of the new generation air combat.
PURSUIT uses a light carbon fiber frame, which helps reduce the load on the neck and spine of the pilot, which is a common problem in long flights or large G-load operations (the level of acceleration that the body must bear compared to the Earth's gravity).
The center of gravity of the helmet is optimized to reduce the risk of injury, while maintaining stability in complex flight situations.
Another notable improvement is the redesigned ventilation system, which helps limit heat accumulation in the cockpit.
Heat-resistant, sweat-absorbing pads are added to keep pilots in a comfortable, alert and ready state to perform missions.
Helmets are also produced in four different sizes, allowing users to choose the right size from the first use.
According to technical reports, PURSUIT fully meets the standards of both the US Navy and Air Force, thereby opening up the possibility of widespread deployment in the US military air force.
The deployment of PURSUIT is part of a 5-year contract, under the next-generation fixed-wing aircraft helmet (NGFWH) initiative of the US Navy.
This program has a total investment of about 22 million USD, aimed at equipping more than 5,000 new helmets for the crew.
Speaking about the event, Mr. Robert McCay, Vice President in charge of the Crew Systems of Gentex, said that being selected by the US Navy is an important milestone, affirming Gentex's commitment to developing advanced protection solutions, meeting the increasingly strict requirements of modern military aviation.
