Sports protective technologies provider VICIS has secured a contract to improve combat helmets for the US Army and the US Marine Corps (USMC). The contract has been awarded by the US Army’s Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC). Under the agreement, VICIS will conduct research to identify ways to replace the existing foam liner pads of the combat helmets with the company’s latest liner technology derived from structures designed for its football helmets. NSRDEC mechanical engineer Benjamin Fasel said: “The NSRDEC is excited to work with VICIS in the development of their suspension pad system for use in military combat helmets.”

The combat helmets currently used by the US Army and the USMC are designed specifically to ensure ballistic protection for service members against gunfire and shrapnel. The new liner technology to be provided by VICIS will help improve the blunt impact performance of the combat helmets to provide increased head protection to US warfighters.