Ceradyne, Inc. is working with Threat4 Inc. to bring the MOHAWK (MOdular HArd Wired Kitted) helmet to market. The new helmet (Ceradyne) is boltless (see below) and comes with an integrated comm/ear-pro suite,comprised of an in-ear headset (Threat4 Inc.). The advantages to an all-in-one helmet/ear pro/communications set up are obvious.
Hopefully we'll see more of it from AUSA 2012
The Threat4 headset on the MOHAWK is an adaption of their x-62000 series communications rig, which was recently selected by USMC EOD personnel for deployment to Afghanistan (and is apparently participating in the Network Integration Evaluation, NIE 13.1 taking place now at Ft. Bliss).
The headset on the helmet will include brackets to mount it on either side of the MOHAWK and modular, mountable accessories that thus far include NVG with integrated camera, an LED light and an IFF transponder powered from a rear battery pack with connections via a central modular bus bar system with multiple attachment points that have been built directly into the helmet shell. Give the potential of the MOHAWK, it's a pretty sure bet there will be more mountable features available in the future.
Threat4's X-62000 in a field expedient "toughness test":
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Ceradyne has a history of armor-related work, including their proprietary "Seamless BallisticTM Helmet (SBH) forming and Thermoplastic Composite Helmet (TCH) molding technologies". This SBH/TCH technology basically build the helmet in layers, creating a protection lever without folds in the laminate or need for additional metal hardware.
The IFF, NVG and other components appear to be from Wilcox Industries, which seems to be confirmed by this recent post over on Soldier Systems.
