U.S. Navy Orders Next-Gen Fixed Wing Helmet System

The U.S. Navy has awarded a $22.6 million contract to Gentex Corporation for the delivery of more than 5,000 next-generation fixed-wing helmet systems and associated spares.

The contract supports the introduction of the Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet across all Navy fixed-wing aircraft. The system is intended to replace the HGU-55/P and HGU-68P helmets, which have been in service for decades.

The new helmet is designed to reduce physical strain on aircrew during long missions by lowering head-supported weight and improving balance. The carbon-fiber shell shifts the helmet’s center of gravity, addressing neck and back stress linked to extended flight operations.

The helmet includes an internal liner system intended to maintain stability during high-G maneuvers. This is aimed at preventing movement of night vision devices or flight data displays when aircraft are operating under demanding conditions.

The Navy said the modular design of the helmet allows new display or communication components to be added without replacing the entire system. This approach is intended to keep pace with changes in cockpit technology while avoiding repeated full-scale equipment transitions.

The system is planned for use by Navy and Marine Corps aviators flying aircraft such as the F/A-18 and EA-18G, with the service aiming to maintain compatibility with future aviation technologies over the long term.