Aerospace - Defense

The Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) contract was awarded to the Helmet Systems business unit of Gentex Corporation for the manufacture and supply of ballistic protective headgear made from high-performance para-aramid fibers and designed to meet the U.S. Army’s latest specifications. The ACH is part of the U.S. Army’s upgrade program to improve ballistic protection of previous military personnel headgear. The contract will require the Carbondale-based facility to manufacture 10,000 helmets per month, starting in 2006.

“Today’s military missions and troop protection demands continue to drive Gentex’s research, design and manufacturing of advanced ballistic protective helmets,” stated Charles Rudolf, Vice President & General Manager of Gentex Helmet Systems. “We are honored to be able to continue to play an essential role in preserving the personal safety of American military personnel.”

The contract is one of three substantial ballistic helmet contracts Gentex Corporation has been awarded by the U.S. Army since 2003. Gentex is currently also fulfilling a five-year U.S. Marine Corps contract, awarded in 2003, for Light Weight Helmets (LWH), of which it has delivered over 100,000 helmets to date. In the 1980s, the privately-owned company was the first manufacturer of para-aramid helmets for the U.S. Army, delivering over 700,000 Personnel Armor System, Ground Troops (PASGT) helmets. Gentex is also the world’s leading manufacturer of helmets for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.

Gentex® Corporation, headquartered in Carbondale, PA, is a world-leading manufacturer comprised of four business units: Gentex® Helmet Systems, Carbondale, PA, is the world's leading manufacturer of helmets for military, law enforcement and civilian fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, is dedicated to also providing precision platforms necessary for the latest, advanced helmet-mounted display systems, and is an integrator of revolutionary light management technology for protective eyewear systems for military, medical, scientific and law enforcement personnel. Gentex® Respiratory Products, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, is a world-leading manufacturer of high-altitude oxygen breathing equipment for military aircraft, and is dedicated to the design, development and manufacturing of oxygen masks, test sets and respiratory connectors and accessories for military and civilian aircraft and personnel.

Gentex® Electro-Acoustic Products, Derry, NH, is a leading manufacturer of communication systems and noise-canceling technologies, including microphones, acoustic sensors and intercommunication equipment for use in high-noise military, commercial and industrial applications. Gentex® Performance Materials, Carbondale, PA, is a well-known manufacturer of advanced materials and technologies to enhance human performance, including Dual Mirror® and Flexir ® aluminized fabrics specifically designed to provide the ultimate protection from extreme heat, molten metal or high-pressure steam; Lifetex ® textiles and Rampart ® personal protective systems for military, law enforcement and related homeland security missions requiring chemical and/or biological protection; and the patented Clearweld plastics laser welding and joining technology offering unprecedented color, design freedom and manufacturing flexibility.

For more information about Gentex Corporation's products, materials, technologies and capabilities, please visit www.GentexCorp.com or call 570-282-3550.