General Atomics

Galvion unveils Batlskin additions

Galvion has officially unveiled two additions to their head systems portfolio, which are being showcased this week at SHOT Show 2025, taking place in Las Vegas on 21st-24th January.

Image courtesy Galvion

The additions include the introduction of the commercial Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) helmet, as well as the new Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue) helmet.

The new helmets are being exhibited alongside Galvion’s wider range of head system and power and data solutions at SHOT Show 2025.

Batlskin Hellbender is the commercial name for Galvion’s successful PDxT helmet platform. In its military PDxT guise, the helmet system has been fielded across multiple international programmes to meet a variety of requirements and is being assessed by many more, including the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The proprietary geometry features an ACH-front with smooth ear transition and a ridged back, offering structural rigidity, increased rear ballistic protection and improved impact protection.  

The new Batlskin Hellbender TE helmet features hybridised layer construction with Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) ballistic core and is available in hi-cut or a unique mid/full cut that provides the ideal balance between full coverage and easy communications integration. Configurable to meet a variety of mission needs with a suite of modular accessories and compatible with Galvion’s APEX liner system, the Hellbender TE can be tailored for military and law enforcement applications and will be available for purchase in mid-2025.

Galvion is also unveiling the Batlskin Caiman SAR, a new Search and Rescue helmet that expands its flagship Caiman suite of head systems. The ultra lightweight high-impact polymer helmet features Galvion’s new three-hole shroud and its APEX liner system. Like Galvion’s other Caiman helmets, the SAR comes in five sizes, ensuring users are wearing the lightest, most comfortable and most stable helmet possible. The new Caiman SAR will be available for order in late 2025 in both vented and ventless options, across a variety of colors, including red, yellow and orange.    

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “We are excited to unveil these new head systems to our First Responder network of users. We have over 100,000 of our PDxT head systems in use globally and each programme fielded brings new feedback, customisations and insights that result in a better product for end-users. The time was right to add this thoughtfully designed platform to our commercial range and we expect to expand the Batlskin Hellbender suite of products over the coming years to serve a variety of operator needs.

“The development of the Caiman SAR stems directly from operator feedback and introduces our new Galvion three-hole shroud to the market.  The global adoption of the Caiman platform is spreading and the SAR helmet offers a new range of specialist operators the opportunity to experience the unrivalled comfort and performance of this mission-proven platform.”

Related

Volklec: £600 million investment in green flight must be supported by UK-first battery supply chains
Headshot for Johan Andersson CEO of volklec
Volklec: £600 million investment in green flight must be supported by UK-first battery supply chains
Following the government’s announcement of a £600 million package for UK aerospace, Volklec chief commercial officer Johan Andersson explains why investment in green flight must be underpinned by a stable domestic supply of critical components.
Aerospace Insights

13 Sep 2026

Regional airports come top in best and worst UK airport rankings
Aircraft landing at Heathrow Airport
Regional airports come top in best and worst UK airport rankings
New Which? rankings reveal regional airports are delivering the best passenger experience while some of the UK's largest aviation gateways lost marks due to queues and customer satisfaction.
Aerospace

13 Sep 2026

Velocity Composites appoints Matthew Fowler as CFO
Matthew Fowler, New CFO of Velocity Composites plc
Velocity Composites appoints Matthew Fowler as CFO
As international aerospace and defence market opportunities increase, Matthew Fowler will support Velocity Composites' drive to assist aerospace manufacturers in improving efficiencies and optimising the supply of advanced composite materials across the production process.
Velocity Composites appoints Matthew Fowler as CFO
Matthew Fowler, New CFO of Velocity Composites plc
Velocity Composites appoints Matthew Fowler as CFO
As international aerospace and defence market opportunities increase, Matthew Fowler will support Velocity Composites' drive to assist aerospace manufacturers in improving efficiencies and optimising the supply of advanced composite materials across the production process.
Royal Navy spends more than £123,000 on content creators
XC Excalibur uncrewed submarine for the Royal Navy
Royal Navy spends more than £123,000 on content creators
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the spend as it looks to reach new audiences and support recruitment.
Defence

11 Sep 2026

US private equity group agrees £1.1bn takeover of key UK defence supplier
Self sheilded storage box for contaminated nuclear waste
US private equity group agrees £1.1bn takeover of key UK defence supplier
Cerberus Capital Management has agreed a £1.1bn acquisition of Goodwin engineering businesses tied to sensitive UK defence, nuclear and naval supply chains.
Defence

11 Sep 2026

Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora engine test
Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora has conducted hot fire testing of its LEO engine at its Midlothian facility in Loanhead, demonstrating the potential of stronger, lightweight parts for future propulsion systems.
Member News Space

11 Sep 2026

UK spends nearly £30m on SpaceX satellite services as military shifts to Starshield
Starlink already offers unparalleled end-to-end user data encryption. Starshield uses additional high-assurance cryptographic capability to host classified payloads and process data securely, meeting the most demanding government requirements.
UK spends nearly £30m on SpaceX satellite services as military shifts to Starshield
The UK military operates around 1,000 SpaceX Starshield terminals after spending nearly £30m on Starshield and Starlink satellite communications.
Defence Space

11 Sep 2026

NewOrbit gains launch slot for first VLEO commercial mission
NEO1
NewOrbit gains launch slot for first VLEO commercial mission
Reading-based NewOrbit will conduct the first commercial mission on which any payload developer can fly, test and validate technology in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), approximately 200-300km above the Earth.
Space

10 Sep 2026

Three government hacks in one week: Has Whitehall learnt its lesson?
Headshot for Trevor Dearing Director of Critical Infrastructure at Illumio
Three government hacks in one week: Has Whitehall learnt its lesson?
Trevor Dearing, Director of Critical Infrastructure at Illumio, argues that three government breaches in one week show why Whitehall must focus less on keeping attackers out and more on limiting the damage once they are inside.
Insights Security

12 Sep 2026

Lindy Cameron appointed as first female FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary
Lindy Cameron appointed as first female FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary
With vast experience across national security, diplomacy and development, Lindy Cameron has become the first female Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Security

12 Sep 2026

MI5 chief warns next major threat may come from where the UK is not looking
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum
MI5 chief warns next major threat may come from where the UK is not looking
MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum says the next major security shock may already be developing where intelligence agencies are not looking, 25 years after 9/11.
Security

11 Sep 2026