BAE Systems has been awarded a $28 million contract by the Defense Logistics Agency to manufacture 120,000 lightweight helmets (LWH) for the US Marine Corps. The contract also includes an option for an additional 120,000 lightweight helmets.

Weighing less than four pounds, BAE Systems' LWH replaces the Personnel Armor System Ground Troops helmet and represents the latest in high-performance combat helmet protection.

"Although it may not look much different from other helmets, the LWH offers significant improvements to Marines," said Greg Kraak, Director of US Military Programs, Personnel Protection Systems for BAE Systems' Security & Survivability business. "Our LWH provides Marines with greater ballistic protection in a lighter, more comfortable helmet."

"The LWH contract represents yet another opportunity for us to support America's Marines, as well as solidify our position as a leader in military helmet manufacturing," said Kraak. "Whether we're designing a better helmet, lighter body armor systems or integrating power systems for our troops, the science of survivability is our business."

All helmet work will be performed in Jessup, Pennsylvania at BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems business. Production is slated to get underway in the fall, with deliveries expected to be completed in early 2011. The Jessup site has been producing combat helmets since 1983. In addition to LWH, the company produces the Enhanced Combat Helmet, Combat Vehicle Crewmen helmets and the Advanced Combat Helmet. More than 600,000 of the company's helmets have been fielded to US Soldiers and Marines.

Source: BAE Systems