- The U.S. Navy awarded Gentex Corporation a $22.6 million contract to supply more than 5,000 Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet systems and spares for fleet-wide use on fixed-wing aircraft.
- The helmets will replace the HGU-55/P and HGU-68P and are designed to support modular integration of future cockpit displays and communications across Navy and Marine Corps aviation.
The United States Navy has awarded Gentex Corporation a $22.6 million contract to deliver more than 5,000 Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet systems and associated spares to support fleet-wide fielding across Navy fixed-wing aircraft, the service announced.
The firm-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers the production and delivery of the Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet, known as NGFWH, and is intended to modernize aircrew life-support equipment used by Navy aviators. The helmets will be issued across the Navy’s fixed-wing aviation community as part of a broader effort to update flight safety and mission equipment.
According to the Navy, the NGFWH will replace the legacy HGU-55/P and HGU-68P helmet systems that have served as the fleet standard for decades. Those older helmets remain widely used across Navy aviation but were designed for earlier generations of aircraft and cockpit systems.
“This is a leap forward in aircrew ergonomics. By utilizing a lighter, more balanced carbon-fiber shell, we are significantly reducing the long-term physical toll on our aviators,” said Capt. Joseph Kamara, program manager for Naval Aircrew Systems. “This isn’t just a piece of safety gear; it’s a modular platform that allows us to rapidly integrate the next generation of digital cockpit technology without needing to field an entirely new helmet every few years.”
The NGFWH introduces a redesigned carbon-fiber shell that reduces overall head-borne weight while improving balance. Navy officials said the updated center of gravity is intended to address chronic neck and back strain experienced by pilots during long-duration sorties, particularly when operating with night vision systems and other head-mounted equipment.
The helmet’s internal liner system is designed to maintain a secure fit during high-G maneuvers, limiting movement that can interfere with night vision sensors or flight data displays. Maintaining alignment of these systems is critical during precision flight operations, including carrier landings and combat missions.
Beyond physical protection, the NGFWH was developed as a modular system. The Navy said this design allows new head-mounted displays, sensors, and communication components to be integrated without replacing the entire helmet. The approach is intended to keep pace with evolving cockpit technologies while reducing the need for frequent, fleet-wide equipment changes.
The helmet is planned for use across Navy and Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet family, the EA-18G Growler, and other carrier-based and land-based platforms. Officials said the common helmet architecture supports compatibility across multiple aircraft types while simplifying logistics and sustainment.
The program is managed by Naval Aircrew Systems, also known as PMA-202, which oversees the lifecycle management of equipment worn or used by Navy and Marine Corps aircrews. This includes helmets, oxygen masks, flight suits, and survival gear. The office is responsible for ensuring that aircrew equipment meets operational requirements while maintaining safety standards.