Air Force Moves Ahead With New Helmet Prototype

The U.S. Air Force selected LIFT Airborne Technologies to develop its next-generation helmet for fixed-wing air crews.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 01:50 PM ET

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The U.S. Air Force is redesigning its helmet for fixed-wing aircrews for the first time in nearly 40 years. (Courtesy: U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Dana Tourtellotte)

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force has selected LIFT Airborne Technologies to develop a next-generation helmet prototype for fixed-wing aircrews, replacing the nearly 40-year-old current design.
The new helmet aims to be lighter, cooler, and provide a better, more customizable fit across various sizes, genders, and ethnicities, addressing issues like pilot longevity, neck and back injuries, and improved integration with modern helmet-mounted display systems.
Featuring materials like Koroyd and updates for comfort and stability, the prototype will undergo further testing before a planned production contract in 2024, with initial distribution slated for F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews.

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The U.S. Air Force says its fixed-wing aircrews are a step closer to getting a lighter, cooler, and better-fitting redesign of their nearly 40-year-old helmet.

The Air Force announced this week it has chosen LIFT Airborne Technologies to develop its next-generation helmet prototype that will address issues such as long-term neck and back injuries, pilot longevity, and improved fit across various sizes, genders, and ethnicities.