The U.S. Navy has selected the Gentex Pursuit helmet as the Next Generation Fixed-Wing Helmet (NGFWH) to equip its flight crews.
According to The Aviationist, the announcement was made by Gentex Corporation. The company stated that the U.S. Navy’s Naval Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) selected its Pursuit helmet as the Next Generation Fixed-Wing Helmet.
The new helmet will replace the HGU-68P, also manufactured by Gentex, on all E-2D, F/A-18, E/A-18G, T-45, T-6 aircraft, and eventually across the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) fleets.
The helmet features a lightweight carbon shell, combined with an enhanced ventilation system and internal padding, and incorporates a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) for integration of current and future HMDs, advanced communication systems, and optical and respiratory protection.
Following the selection, the company received a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract to supply over 5,000 NGFWH systems and associated spare parts, with an estimated value of approximately $22 million.
“This contract with the U.S. Navy represents a significant milestone for Gentex and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to developing the world’s most innovative protection solutions for warfighters,” said Robert McCay, Vice President of Aircrew Systems at Gentex Corporation.
“The Pursuit system provides significant advancements in safety, comfort, and mission performance for aircrew, ensuring that naval aviators and Navy flight officers are equipped with technology that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving demands of modern aviation.”
“We are honored to continue our trusted partnership with the U.S. Navy and look forward to supplying the Pursuit Helmet System to U.S. armed forces and international allies for many decades,” McCay added.
Photo and video: Gentex Corporation / Instagram @gentex_aircrew. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
