Ceradyne producing next-gen helmets, body armor: Ceradyne Inc., a 3M company, has been awarded two U.S. Army contracts for helmets and hard body armor inserts.
The low-rate initial production contracts have a combined value of $43 million.
Ceradyne said the Integrated Head Protection System is a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. This helmet system includes numerous accessories, including a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and modular ballistic applique.
More than 5,300 of the next-generation helmets are to be delivered under the $7 million award, with their production to begin next year.
More than 30,000 Vital Torso Protection – Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts will be produced starting next year under a $36 million contract.
