Improvements to Bomb Disposal Helmet Unveiled by Canadian Firm

Allen-Vanguard unveiled several new advances to its world-leading Med-Eng EOD 9 bomb disposal helmet today at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris.  These technological innovations integrate information management, video and voice commands into a sophisticated system that will reset the industry standard for operational capabilities.

The foremost of these new features is a tablet-based device that will serve not only as a helmet controller but more importantly as a visual source of critical information.  By harnessing the power of a mobile device, Allen-Vanguard will provide technicians with unprecedented access either downrange or at their command post to imagery, technical information, maps, equipment manuals and an array of other information.

This new controller will be integrated with a voice-activation system that will allow technicians to control their helmet’s lights, ventilation and speaker volume in a hands-free manner so their hands are free to perform other critical tasks.

Users will also be able to capture video through one of two visor-mounted camera options.  A live camera will wirelessly transmit video in real time back to a command post, while a standalone camera will record video for post-mission review.  Capturing video will serve several important purposes: an excellent training tool as part of an after-action review; obtain visual evidence for forensic analysis and criminal prosecution; and enable a command post to better assist the successful completion of the mission, particularly if additional personnel must be sent downrange.

Allen-Vanguard President and CEO, Dennis Morris commented, “The integration of a tablet-based device into protective equipment, complemented by voice activation and video capture, marks a historic milestone in the evolution of bomb disposal protective equipment.  These technologies will transform our EOD 9 suit and helmet ensemble into a mobile and interactive information platform.  The immediate benefits for safer, more effective and streamlined operations are clear while the potential to further exploit these technologies is very exciting.”

The new features are being unveiled at Eurosatory, 11 – 15 June, as a central part of Allen-Vanguard’s comprehensive Counter-Threat Solutions for the Military EOD and public safety Bomb Disposal communities.  They also demonstrate that as terrorist and criminal threats continue to evolve, so too must the solutions to defeat and mitigate them while protecting those on the front lines.