Modern SF Helmets (1990s-2008), Part 2

ILC Dover Integrated Ballistic Helmet (IBH)

Many readers have been asking us about this mysterious helmet for the past 6 years. Now and finally, let us introduce to you.......the great IBH helmet from ILC Dover.

This super famous Helmet has been seen used by SEALs,  CCT, and PJs (SOCOM) during late 1990s and early 2000s. I remembered the first time I saw the IBH was in the book "American Special Forces". The outlook of the IBH is very impressive and futuristic, just like some sort of space stuffs !

Damn right, IBH was made by ILC Dover, the company that makes NASA space suits and participates in many high tech defense projects. This cool helmet is made by ILC Dover in 1995 - 1996. According to ILC Dover, only 741 pieces were made. It is primarily developed for SOCOM, and the FBI. Now, let's look at the features of the IBH.

The IBH offers lightweight limited small arms and frag protection, hearing protection, full communication capability, night vision capability, gas mask capability, even HALO face mask capability. Now, just imagine this was done 12 years ago !!! Totally amazing !!

Communication system of the IBH is called AHS (Ambient Hearing System). The earcups are removable, providing sound attenuations, additional ballistic protections, communication capabilities including ear speakers and boom mic wiring. The boom mic can be set at the right or left. The boom mic provides communications interface to standard military communication gear. The two communication cords are removable. It is a dual cord communication system, allowing you to use  two radios at the same time, like PRC radios, Motorola MX300R and Saber radio.

Removable oxygen mask receivers which provides interface to PHAOS Parachutist Mask, MBU type oxygen mask, and the gas masks.

For the NVG mounts, there are many options. The original mount is made for AN/AVS-6 NVG. Wilcox Industry later offers several mounts for the IBH. These mounts fit the more popular PVS-7,  PVS-14, PVS-15 and PVS-18 NVGs.

Innovative replaceable comfort/ sizing pads which provide profit helmet sizing as well as a comfortable interface with the user. Replicable foam impact layer provides limited impact protection. Four point replaceable chin / nape strap provides proper helmet adjustment.

Despite all the above cool features, IBH production was discontinued. Rumor said it didn't pass all the tests required by SOCOM (correct us if we were wrong). Only 741 pieces were ever produced according to ILC Dover.

Special thanks to ILC Dover, Blackhawk industries, ATS tactical,  Wilcox industries, and readers who help us to prepare this page ! It is an honor to introduce this super helmet, we hope you all love it.

Navy SEAL IBH Helmet (Half Head)

Although the IBH production was discontinued, many SF operators still love the half head helmet design and all the advanced suspension / head padding system IBH offered. These features were so innovative in late 1990s. Actually,  IBH was probably the first decent half head ballistic helmet around.

Many operators like to take the two big IBH earcups away, and use the half head IBH with other low profile headset systems, like TEA TASC headset, Comtac or Sordin headsets.

The pictures show a Navy SEAL IBH helmet. The operator replaced the original IBH sizing pads to the better MICH helmet skull pads. He also added many loop Velcro on the helmet surface for attachment of patches, flash light, strobe light, and etc. There is a Wilcox NVG mount in the front, and a TASC headset at the left. Sweet !!

Although the helmet was made 12 years ago, many still in service in Iraq and Afghanistan today !

IBH Helmet (Half Head) + Gen III Wilcox NV mount

In the pictures, the half head IBH is installed with the Gen III Wilcox NVG mount. Super sweet !

Wilcox NVG mount system is always super innovative and has tons of cool features. Be sure to check them out.

Special thanks to Wilcox Industry.

USAF HALO Helmet

Gentex HALO Helmet with dual cord communication system. Strobe light pouch at the back, ski-boot AN/VIS NVG mount.

Gentex HALO Helmet is famous all over the world. It offers excellent  impact protection, noise protection, penetration protection, and eye protection to the user. It is light weighted and has a super smooth surface to prevent obstruction. Oxygen mask receiver is compatible to many different types of Gentex oxygen masks. Communication system / boom mic can be fully customized. With the removable ski-boot NVG mount base, you can attached an AN/VIS NVG on it. No problem in night jumps at all !

Special thanks to Gentex Corp, & Check Six Aviation.

Army SF Gentex HALO Helmet

This is an Army SF Gentex HALO Parachutist Helmet, equipped with custom-built dual cord communication system.

Gentex HALO Helmet is famous all over the world. It offers excellent  impact protection, noise protection, penetration protection, and eye protection to the user. It is light weighted and has a super smooth surface to prevent obstruction. Oxygen mask receiver is compatible to many different types of Gentex oxygen masks. Communication system / boom mic can be fully customized. With the removable ski-boot NVG mount base, you can attached a NVG on it.

Special thanks to Gentex Corp, & Check Six Aviation.

Navy SEAL HALO Helmet

Navy SEAL Gentex HALO Helmet, with old style Mickey mouse visor block.

Gentex HALO Helmet is famous all over the world. It offers excellent  impact protection, noise protection, penetration protection, and eye protection to the user. It is light weighted and has a super smooth surface to prevent obstruction. Oxygen mask receiver is compatible to many different types of Gentex oxygen masks. Communication system / boom mic can be fully customized. With the removable ski-boot NVG mount base, you can attached a NVG on it.

Special thanks to Gentex Corp, & Check Six Aviation.

Gen I Gentex MMH Helmet

This is the Gen I Gentex Military Motorcycle Helmet (MMH). It offers ballistic protection, impact / shock absorption, HALO oxygen Mask interface, flexible noise-canceling boom mic, and a remote communication PTT box.

MMH is widely used by SEALs, CCT, PJs, and Army Special Forces.

Special thanks to Gentex Corp.

Army SF Gen II Gentex MMH Helmet

This is a Gen II Gentex Military Motorcycle Helmet. The noise-canceling boom mic becomes more compact than the Gen I MMH. The operator even  installed a NVG mount base on the helmet.

Super sweet !

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