Gentex Corporation has secured a $44.8 million contract from the US Army to provide helicopter helmet systems and associated support equipment over a five-year period. The agreement covers the delivery of the company’s HGU-56/P rotary-wing helmet system, Apache helmet assemblies, replacement spares, and upgrade packages, ensuring continued availability and mission readiness for Army aviation personnel. The latest contract extends Gentex’s long-standing relationship with the Army, which spans more than three decades of supplying, sustaining, and upgrading critical flight protection equipment.
Designed for rotary-wing aircrew operating in demanding environments, the HGU-56/P helmet combines impact and ballistic protection with integrated communications, night vision compatibility, and mission system support. The lightweight helmet, weighing less than 2 kilograms, incorporates active noise reduction, communication earplugs, and dual UV-resistant polycarbonate visors capable of blocking over 90% of harmful ultraviolet rays. It is available in four different sizes and can be configured with optional features such as windblast shields, lower-face protection, and night vision goggles to meet a variety of operational requirements.
