Browse > Home / Aeronautics News / New GENTEX Helmet Designed for Sikorsky’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator

New GENTEX Helmet Designed for Sikorsky’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

October 23, 2008

thomas

 

STRATFORD, Conn., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The historic first
flight of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator featured
the use of a helmet crafted by GENTEX especially for the X2 Demonstrator.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

GENTEX developed four helmets, unique to the X2 TECHNOLOGY program.
They were specifically designed using the Modular Aircrew Common Helmet
(MACH) as a baseline. The helmets offer impact protection of a traditional
helicopter helmet, with windblast protection of a fixed-wing helmet.

“This is the first opportunity to fly this configuration of the MACH
helmet,” said Barry Shope, Vice President, GENTEX Market Development.
“GENTEX is pleased to be part of this project allowing us to further
solidify our relationship with Sikorsky while demonstrating some of the
unique characteristics of this helmet.”

Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck wore the GENTEX helmet on
Aug. 27 when he conducted the first test flight of the X2 TECHNOLOGY
Demonstrator. The Demonstrator aircraft’s suite of technologies is intended
to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter.

The MACH helmet system is a two-part concept consisting of an inner
“Life Support Module” (LSM) and “Outer Mission Module” (OMM), in which each
pilot will be issued a custom-fitted LSM compatible with existing aircrew
oxygen masks while the Outer Mission Modules will be configured to
accommodate all current and future helmet-mounted equipment and displays.
GENTEX is working to reduce the current inventory of 27 helmets and helmet
configurations to a single design.

The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator is designed to establish that a
helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining such
desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient
hovering, and safe autorotation, combined with a seamless and simple
transition to high speed.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader
in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long
commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement:
“We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every
time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a
broad range of high-technology products and support services to the
aerospace and building systems industries.

GENTEX is a recognized world leader in the design and manufacture of
advanced helmet systems for both air and ground crew applications. GENTEX
also develops integrated ensembles for soldiers and pilots, light
filtration materials, military ballistic and laser protective eyewear,
electro-acoustic devices, oxygen masks, and chemical and biological
protective fabrics.

» Próximo Post - ASUR 3Q08 Passenger Traffic Up 6.90% YOY
« Post Aneterior - Spirit AeroSystems to Design and Build Pylon for Mitsubishi Regional Jet

Comments

¿Tiene algo que decir?

You must be logged in to post a comment.