U.S. Army Awards 3M Additional $34 Million for Helmets of the Future

3M-designed Integrated Head Protection System is Army’s most advanced ballistic helmet to date

Popular Mechanics described the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) as "straight out of science fiction". (Photo: 3M)

ST. PAUL, Minn.--()--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.

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.

For more information about 3M ballistic helmets, visit www.3M.com/ballistichelmets.

About 3M
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Contacts

3M Media Contact
Sarah Warren, 651-737-3674
swarren2@mmm.com
or
PR Agency Contact
Beatrice Zvosec, 612-455-1914
beatrice.zvosec@padillaco.com

Release Summary

The U.S. Army has awarded Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, an additional $34 million to continue supplying the Integrated Head Protection System.

Contacts

3M Media Contact
Sarah Warren, 651-737-3674
swarren2@mmm.com
or
PR Agency Contact
Beatrice Zvosec, 612-455-1914
beatrice.zvosec@padillaco.com