MOD looking for next-generation helmet system

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice for the Future Aircrew and Passenger Helmet Project, signalling the start of formal engagement with industry on plans to replace protective headgear for rotary wing aircrew and passengers.

Published on 15 April 2025, the notice outlines a proposed procurement valued at £38.4 million including VAT, covering helmet systems for three distinct user groups: passengers in rotary aircraft, aircrew operating with static seats, and aircrew using ejection seats. Each helmet type will be tailored to its specific operational and aircraft-related requirements.

The MOD’s Aircrew Systems team, part of Air Command, has already conducted informal engagements with multiple industry partners over the past three years through attendance at international events including SAFE Europe and SAFE International. These engagements served to gather insights on emerging headborne technologies and to ensure an open dialogue with potential suppliers.

Companies consulted include Gentex UK, LIFT USA, Transaero Inc, Collins Aerospace, Final Forge LLC, Tiger/ICARO, Level Peaks Associates, INSTA, CF Helmets, and Crew Systems Corporation.

The MOD notes that additional informal conversations have taken place during site visits, including a discussion on helmet standard DEFSTAN 05-102 with Gentex UK and existing capability discussions with Level Peaks Associates.

An official Request for Information (RFI) was released on 8 April 2025, with responses requested by 9 May 2025 at 23:59. This will help shape the final acquisition strategy and requirements before the anticipated release of a tender notice by the end of 2025. The future contract is expected to run from 1 April 2028 to 1 April 2038, with a possible extension to 2040.

The MOD has highlighted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to participate in this engagement process.