Ceradyne, in conjunction with Threat4, is showing a new concept, next generation Combat Helmet with integrated radio communication headset and hearing protection utilizing Ceradyne's advanced Seamless Ballistic technology at the Annual Meeting of the U.S. Army (AUSA) being held in Washington, D.C. on October 22-24, 2012.

The helmet, called "MOdular HArd Wired Kitted (MOHAWK) Boltless Combat Helmet" (Patent Pending) was developed by Ceradyne Diaphorm with the tactical in-ear radio communication headset developed by Threat4 Inc.The MOHAWK Boltless Combat Helmet is based on a boltless retention system design with minimal inside surface obstruction.

The helmet is further enhanced with a multi-conductor central modular bus bar system integrated into the helmet shell with multiple universal mounting points to attach any combination of powered helmet accessories.

The Threat4 tactical headset mounted on the MOHAWK is a variant of Threat4's traditional x-62000 series headset which has been modified to include brackets to mount it on either side of the MOHAWK and to draw power from the bus bar system.

Other accessories that are mountable to the MOHAWK include IFF (identification friend-or-foe) transponder, NVG (night vision goggle) with integrated camera and LED flashlight, all powered from the rear battery pack.

Marc King, President of Ceradyne Armor Systems and Patrick Armstrong, CEO of Threat4 both commented: "The integration of a headset communication system with hearing protection to the MOHAWK helmet provides a weight and logistics savings to the warefighter by eliminating the traditional headset's power source and connecting to the power rail.

"The addition of comms and hearing protection to the helmet completes the warefighter`s Headborne equipment requirements and simultaneously addresses hearing protection."