This morning I received news from BAE Systems that the Army has ordered more of the helmet sensors that will indeed save the quality of life enjoyed in the future by those serving today. This is most excellent for all of us who love a Soldier!
News
U.S. Army Orders More Helmet Sensors for Screening of Head and Brain Injuries
PHOENIX,
Arizona — The U.S. Army has ordered thousands of additional helmet
sensors that can be used to record the severity of head movements and
impacts during a combat-related blast or explosion. The sensors, called Headborne Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Systems
(HEADS), are provided by BAE Systems and are revolutionizing the way
data is captured, stored and retrieved to determine the effects that
improvised explosive devices and other blunt impacts have on a Soldier’s
head.
Under
a new $16.9 million contract, BAE Systems will deliver the HEADS
Generation II sensors by January of next year. This order will be in
addition to approximately 20,000 sensors that are already in use.
“Traumatic
Brain Injuries are known as a signature injury for Soldiers in Iraq and
Afghanistan,” said Don Dutton, vice president and general manager of
Protection Systems at BAE Systems. “The Army has an urgent demand for
technologies that help identify individuals who may be in need of
medical assistance for potential head and brain injuries. The data
collected by HEADS during a traumatic event can be used to develop
better protective equipment and for supporting further medical
treatment.”
Positioned beneath the crown suspension pad of most combat helmets, HEADS
allows the Army and medical practitioners to continuously measure and
collect critical and potentially lifesaving data. These include impact
duration, blast pressures, ambient temperature, angular and linear
accelerations, as well as the exact times of single or multiple blast
events. The placement of the sensor inside the helmet ensures that
accurate measurements are achieved.
From
late 2007 and into 2008, BAE Systems delivered more than 7,600 HEADS
Generation I sensors to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Then HEADS
Generation II was developed, introducing a wireless technology to
download summary data of recorded events. Other enhancements to the
sensor included a longer battery life, expanded pressure measurement and
angular rate data.
The
latest $16.9 million award is part of a five-year contract awarded in
June 2010. This award brings the cumulative value of the contract to
approximately $34 million.
BAE
Systems is a leading provider of Soldier protective and load carrying
equipment in the United States, producing a significant portion of the
nation’s body armor, tactical vests, combat helmets and load carrying
systems. Not only is the company focused on the design, development and
production of leading edge survivability products, but its integration
of advanced materials into manufacturing, rigorous product testing and
field trials support the company’s focus on the men and women who serve
in the armed forces.
Heather, this made my day! So many faces come to my mind that this
technology could have protected, so many more faces that will be
protected, and the faces of their children and loved ones bring tears to
my eyes. Thanks to BAE Systems, of all the resources of the military, I
believe this one may prove to be the most valuable to Soldiers and
their families. This technology is phenomenal in its' impact upon the
troops. Thank you so much for sending this to me. Have an excellent
day, and thanks to you and all those at BAE for all the lives protected
and saved.
With a Grateful Heart,
Debra LeCompte.
Daughter of a WWII Soldier
Wife of a Soldier
Mother of a Soldier
Mother-in-Law of two Soldiers
Grand-daughter of a WWI Soldier
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=724Am7qWwzU
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