The U.S. Army has begun deploying the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) for approximately 2,000 soldiers of the combat team from the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division, an elite unit.
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The NG-IHPS is the latest combat helmet from the U.S. Army, replacing the previously equipped Integrated Head Protection System, the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), and the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH).
The combat-ready NG-IHPS consists of a retention system, a suspension system, a helmet cover, and a night vision device mount that can integrate a mandible protector, hearing protection, communication, and a head-up display as integrated systems for enhanced visual augmentation and night vision goggles, binoculars.
At first glance, it’s nearly identical to the previous IHPS model but is heavier due to increased baseline protection level.
The previous model, delivered from 2018 to 2022, protects only against fragments, impact, and pistol bullets, whereas the new NG-IHPS has developed an additional set of caps to increase the protection level.
The helmet’s weight has increased by over 1 kg but protects against head shots using 5.45 to 5.56 mm cartridges.
The old IHPS model was made of aramid fiber, while the new model is made of polyethylene.
This material not only provides better protection against helmet perforation effects but also distributes energy transmitted to the helmet during a hit.
Compatible with next-generation night vision device interfaces, the mandible protector is mounted in the front for increased protection and provides 6% more protection when used.
The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) for Soldier plans to equip the combat teams of the 2nd and 3rd Brigades of the 82nd Airborne Division with NG-IHPS this quarter and complete outfitting all close combat units, including the 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division, by 2028.
