It seems that MICH/ACH/ECH helmets will soon be a thing of the past thanks to the recently presented model called the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS).
According to the assurance of the manufacturer, Ceradyne Inc., the new helmet offers up to 100% better protection against head injuries weighing less than the ECH and liner mounting that does not require the use of screws (4 screws in the ECH helmets). This increases the durability of ballistic material and facilitates mounting of various types of accessories so often found on military helmets nowadays.
The Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) is part of the larger ballistic protection system of the US Army known under the name Soldier Protection System. The other parts of the system are:
- the Modular Scalable Vest – with a new, easier-to-use quick release system compared to the one used in IOTV vests currently issued to soldiers,
- a sweatshirt with soft ballistic inserts on the arms of the chest, back and neck called the Ballistic Combat Shirt.
- a ballistic combat belt
New ballistic protection sets are expected to be issued in 2019, initially to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Sources: popularairsoft.com, military.com,army.mil,
