Galvion wins US Marine Corps IHS contract

Above: Galvion’s USMC IHS Block 1 Helmet with E.D.G power system, Strobe and Task Light, Helmet Cover.
Courtesy Galvion   

The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has a maximum value of $131,396,296.  Galvion’s customised Integrated Helmet System was developed over multiple years under the scope of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) to meet the unique operational requirements of the US Marine Corps.  

The Galvion IHS Solution is a functionally robust, USMC-mission-focused system that is optimised to meet all USMC technical requirements. The no-through hole, hi-cut helmet is a proprietary geometry (introduced commercially as the Hellbender platform earlier this year) that combines an ECH front shape for ease-of-integration with existing accessories and a ridged-back design that provides structural stability.  

It features the latest version of Galvion’s best-in-class Apex lining system, which includes improvements incorporated as a direct result of Marine feedback, resulting in a better-fitting, balanced and more stable helmet platform for SBNVG and ECOTI mounting. Galvion’s E.D.G power management system integrates easily, offering scalable operational capability for Marines. The helmet was designed to support single-size components (NVG shroud, rails, harness, accessory straps) for ease of maintenance and supply logistics, with a clear upgrade and support path through its service life.  

Galvion designed, built and tested prototypes demonstrating technical capabilities and integration with current USMC equipment including communication devices and visual augmentation systems, and delivered over 1000 systems across two configurations to meet the Marine Corps trial and evaluation requirements:
‘Block 0’ Baseline System:  helmet featuring NVD shroud with stabilisation bumpers, IHS rails with NVG clips and O2 attachments, NVG bungees, External Loop Pattern, Battery Retention Straps, the latest APEX liner system and a customised helmet cover with cable management.
‘Block 1’ Integrated System:  built off Block 0, with the addition of the E.D.G scalable power pack, single and dual cables to power SBNVG & SBNVG with ECOTI, Integrated Strobe, Task Light and optional HED. 

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for the entire Galvion team. This program has been a uniting force across our organisation and has driven us to innovate, integrate and collaborate faster and better as a team. From the research and development done in our Warfighter Lab to design a more stable system, to the helmets produced in our Vermont facility, to the E.D.G power and data component coming out of our New Hampshire headquarters – this has been a true team effort.

“The United States Marine Corps are some of the world’s most demanding users, and our solution offers them a fully integrated helmet system that has been designed specifically to evolve with technology to support the Marines advanced mission needs. The development process for this system highlights the Marine Corps Systems Command’s commitment to working with industry to find the absolute best solution for Marines. We had such a high level of engagement with users throughout this process – through the multiple Limited User Evaluations and Ballistic Testing events organised by the MCSC and the dozen additional Galvion internal sessions that they supported. We incorporated feedback after every evaluation stage to ultimately deliver a system that has been designed by Marines, for Marines.  We look forward to continuing this collaborative process as we outfit Marines with our helmets and support their evolving needs for years to come.”