Ash-22 Biormr Suspension And Padding System Validate Blunt-Impact Performance

A7 Helmet Systems today validated the extraordinary blunt-impact performance of its ASH-22 BioRmr padding system, an off-the-shelf, direct replacement for the 7-pad systems, to be used by combat helmets.

A7HS contracted an accredited third party, Chesapeake Testing, to test the system in Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH) and tested it in accordance with AR/PD 10-02 Rev. A, Change 3, at all specified climate conditions (14oF, 70oF, and 130oF) at impact speeds of 10 ft/sec. and 14.1 ft/sec.

The results showed that the average head acceleration for multiple impacts across all temperatures was 80.5G at an impact speed of 10 ft/sec., and 135G at an impact speed of 14.1 ft/sec.  For context, the blunt-impact standard for padding systems currently used in the ACH is a maximum peak acceleration of 150G at 10 ft/sec., and the impact speed of 14.1 ft./sec. represents roughly a doubling of the impact energy.

Accordingly, the ASH-22 BioRmr system meets the urgent needs of defense and law-enforcement agencies around the world for a practical and cost-effective way to improve the blunt-impact performance of ACHs and thereby help prevent or reduce the severity of blunt-impact induced brain injuries suffered by warfighters.  The breakthrough was achieved as the result of an agreement between A7HS and U.K.-based D3O to share proprietary technologies related to impact-attenuation, including the exclusive use of D3O’s lightweight D3O Aero material in A7HS’s one-piece, adjustable ASH-22 design.

“A7 Helmet Systems has always thrived on the challenge of developing the best possible suspension and padding systems for combat helmets and we are proud to be the first and only company to have developed a system that meets and exceeds the 10 and 14.1 ft/sec. design goals,” stated Kerry S. Harris, a former U.S. Marine who is a founder of the company and designs all of the company’s systems.  “Warfighters need and deserve the highest level of protection against blunt impact related concussions and other types of brain injuries and the validation of the ASH-22 BioRmr means we are on track to field the system in the first quarter of 2014.”