DHS Selects Advanced HGU-56/P Helicopter Helmet

Washington D.C. – September 9, 2015

Gibson & Barnes has been awarded a contract by the Department of Homeland Security to supply 900 advanced HGU-56/P helmets for Customs and Border Patrol helicopter pilots and air crews.

The HGU-56, manufactured by Gentex Corporation, is the most protective and technologically-advanced helicopter helmet in the world. It provides more impact protection, better sound attenuation, and more ballistic lens protection than any other flight helmet.

The helmet completed an upgrade and improvement program this year with a new integrated retention, energy-absorbing liner, and comfort liner. The upgraded HGU-56 is lighter and has increased peripheral vision.

Additional advanced features in DHS’s new HGU-56 helmets include:
Maxillofacial shield that safeguards the crew member’s lower face from rotor wash, flying debris, and windblast
Gibson & Barnes active noise reduction (ANR) system that improves sound quality and reduces unwanted noise
New Gibson & Barnes Hear-Thruâ„¢ system to allow crewmembers to communicate with personnel who are not wearing helmets or headsets
Gentex Night Vision (NVG) quick-disconnect mounts

Simple future installation of Gentex’s new Dazzle lenses for laser protection
Gentex has manufactured over 115,000 HGU-56 helmets since 2001 for the U.S. Military, the
armed forces of over 50 countries, and commercial customers world-wide.

Gentex Corporation, the largest flight helmet manufacturer in the world, has unmatched scientific and engineering capability. Its helmet manufacturing is ISO 9001 certified, its laboratory is ISO 9001:2008 + AS9100C certified, and its quality-assurance system is overseen by full-time on-premises Defense Contract Management Agency personnel.

Gibson & Barnes has distributed Gentex flight helmets for 32 years. It also engineers and manufactures protective flight clothing, communication equipment and cables, leather airline flight jackets, and the Kryo® body-cooling system.

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