Integrated Ballistic Helmet (IBH) Orthodoxy

[Yuxi]

With the ever increasing popularity if IBH helmets within the airsoft community, I thought I would try with information from others more knowledgeable than I, to spread what should be but is not yet common knowledge about the IBH.

A secondary purpose is to demonstrate for those who are interested in realism and accuracy in gear, what IBH helmets being used in the real world looks like, and by the absence of pictures, what unorthodox setups are now emerging.

The following is some background information on the IBH as written by another user (Simpen) from a geardo website.

The Integrated Ballistic helmet (IBH) was produced by ILC Dover under contract by USSOCOM in 1995 - 1996. A total of 741 helmets were produced, and issued to SOCOM and FBI HRT personnel. The helmet was developed to support USSOCOM tactical operations requiring lightweight ballistic protection, communications, night vision systems interface, interface to a multitude of gas masks and other protective equipment.

The original helmet has a quick detach night vision bracket that allows mounting of various systems such as the AN/AVS-6 and AN/PVS-7. However, some units are known to have removed this system in favor of the Wilcox PVS15/18 mount. These helmets also came with the IBH Ambient Hearing System (AHS) with communication abilities and offer support for the following radios:

-Harris AN/PRC-117B
-Harris AN-PRC-117D
-Magnavox PRC-113
-Motorola MX300-R
-Motorola Saber

Below are pictures of the IBH in action or real ones on display.

To view photos of ASC helmets (Including IBHs) go here
http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=39397







*Note just above and behind where the ear would be, the mounting bracket for the communications headset.














*Note the Norotos NVG mount and the Surefire HL1-A-TN Helmet Light.




*SEALs with Canadian troops in Afghanistan

[techobo]

I tried digging around for info on the AHS but can't really find any thing. I like the look of the headset that is mounted to the tan helmet, do you have any more info on that set-up?

[Godlyspartan]

Hey mike, its impossible to grab the real headset, since they usually came issued with the helmet. If your lucky to find it floating around the net it will usually cost upwards of 500usd or more. Those Headsets are Extremly rare that even japanese collectors have a hard time finding them.
However your in luck, Toy soldier is making a replica of it from what i hear.

[Goldman]

Hey yuxi, what kind of velcro should be used on the helmets? and what kind of adhesive to keep them on?

[bruce]

I'm using velcro that is made by Velcro USA. It can be purchase from Supply Captain and it's US GI MIL Spec adhesive backed Velcro Brand hook and loop. It hasn't started to peel on my IBH but guys have used hot glue along the edges to help keep the peeling velcro patches from coming off.

[Goldman]

excellent, thanks bruce

[Vince]

Nice looking helmet Bruce

[Yuxi]

Originally Posted by Goldman

Hey yuxi, what kind of velcro should be used on the helmets? and what kind of adhesive to keep them on?

Hey Goldman,

Canadian tire use to sell adhesive velcro (the 2 inch width ones) but some have stopped for some reason. Now I go to Home Hardware. The glue is pretty good and works well, and like Bruce said, if it peels, glue gun the edges. Though personally I have yet to have that need, and I myself would probably just re-velcro instead of glue gunning.

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by bruce

I'm using velcro that is made by Velcro USA. It can be purchase from Supply Captain and it's US GI MIL Spec adhesive backed Velcro Brand hook and loop. It hasn't started to peel on my IBH but guys have used hot glue along the edges to help keep the peeling velcro patches from coming off.

I find it's very helpful to trim 1/8" of the hooks and loops from the edges of velcro pads. Clear off hooks and loops 1/8" from the pad edges with a razor blade. I use the long edge of an Olfa blade without a holder and trim away the grabby bits before peeling the adhesive backing.

Trimming away the attachment features 1/8" from the velcro prevents the application of pulling right at the edge of your velcro pad. Instead, pull force is applied further inboard from the adhesive edge which hugely reduces peel off when you pull the pads apart.

I also give the surface I'm affixing velcro to a good wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove oily films.

[Primus]

Speaking of glue gun, anyone know where to fin black glue sticks?

[SINN]

I have seen them at Canadian Tire, Michael's (craft store, can get paint pens there too to mark gun and mags), Lewiscraft.

[Point_Man]

This is definetly a good thread as a resource. Thanks Yuxi. I was able to find some adhesive backed velcro at Bouclair (fabric store). I'll post pics of what I've come up with so far.

[Point_Man]

Just some helmet pron. Point to note, it fits very well with my Peltor's and ESS land Ops Goggles.

[Yuxi]

Originally Posted by Point_Man

This is definetly a good thread as a resource. Thanks Yuxi. I was able to find some adhesive backed velcro at Bouclair (fabric store). I'll post pics of what I've come up with so far.

Glad you found it useful

Check out this thread for pics of other helmets, and my IBH as well.

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=39397

[Ace of Spades©]

Hey Yuxi, how do you find the Surefire helmet mounted flashlight? I was thinking of getting one, but it seems that it only puts out under 100 luminen and for 129$USD, I dont know if its worth it.

Also IBH + Bowman or swimmer headset = possible in RL or not?