Tactical Ballistic Helmet II (TBH II )

Care and Use Instructions Tactical Ballistic Helmet II (TBH II ) Mission Configurable (MC) TBH II MC TBH II HC-MC TBH II HST-MC 2013 Gentex Corporation

When you replace components or install additional components on Gentex products, always use genuine factory-new Gentex parts. This will ensure a correct fit and maintain the safety of the product. Use of non-gentex parts (salvage, refurbished, etc.) for replacement or additional installation will void any product warranty and may compromise the safety of the user.

Contents FEATURES 1 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION 2 Helmet Shell 2 Retention Assembly 3 Pad Suspension System 4 VAS Shroud and ARC Rails 5 HELMET PREPARATION 6 Determining Helmet Size 6 Checking Pad Suspension Fit (Water-Resistant Pads) 8 Checking Pad Suspension Fit (Adjustable Pads) 9 Adjusting Retention 11 MAINTENANCE 12 Preventive Maintenance Checks 12 Cleaning 12 Replacing Pad Suspension Assembly (Water-Resistant) 13 Replacing Pad Suspension Assembly (Adjustable) 14 Replacing Retention Assembly (All Styles) 15 ORDERING 16 Helmet Part Numbers 16 Helmet Variations 18

TACTICAL BALLISTIC HELMET II (TBH II ) Mission Configurable (MC) FEATURES The helmet (Figure 1) is available in three main configurations with variations in helmet side trim: Standard (TBH II MC), Headset Configured (TBH II HC-MC) and High Side Trim (TBH II HST-MC). Available in four sizes, the helmet shell has a reduced profile that provides improved maneuverability, situational awareness, and compatibility with other protective equipment. See Page 2 for details. The Gentex four-point retention assembly offers unmatched stability, comfort, and ease of adjustment. See Page 3 for details. The pad suspension system (adjustable or water-resistant) provides comfort and ease of fitting. See Page 4 for details. Helmets can include ARC rails, bungee cords, and a VAS shroud. See Page 5 for details. TBH II MC TBH II HC-MC TBH II HST-MC Helmet shell VAS shroud ARC rail (two places) Water-resistant Adjustable Split-crown water-resistant Pad suspension systems Bungee cord (two places) Retention assembly Figure 1. TBH II MC, TBH II HC-MC, and TBH II HST-MC TBH II is a trademark of Gentex Corporation. 1

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Helmet Shell The ballistic composite helmet shell incorporates state-of-the-art materials for protection (per PS-0428) with minimal weight. Figure 2 shows the differences between the helmet shell styles. Each style may have one or three pre-drilled front holes for various night vision goggle (NVG) mounting brackets. TBH II MC Provides situational awareness Interfaces with a variety of equipment TBH II HC-MC Interfaces with a variety of communication equipment Higher side profile improves headset interface TBH II HST-MC Trimmed high at the sides to accommodate a variety of headsets Improved interface with various sighting devices and gun stock clearance NVG Attachment Options No holes (non-nvg) One hole Three holes Figure 2. Helmet Shell Styles 2

Retention Assembly The H-style retention assembly (Figure 3) provides stability and comfort. Attached to the helmet at four points with ballistic-resistant hardware, the retention assembly includes a nape pad, a chin strap, and four slide adjustments. An X-style retention assembly is also available. Hardware (four places) H-style retention assembly Nape pad Slide adjustment (four places) Chin strap X-style retention assembly Nape pad Figure 3. Retention Assembly 3

Pad Suspension System Your helmet is equipped with a pad suspension system, available in three different pad styles: water-resistant, split-crown water-resistant, and adjustable. Each pad style consists of a set of pads attached with hook disks to the inside of the helmet shell. Figure 4 shows the differences between the styles. Water-resistant Seven pads total: one crown pad, two front/ rear pads, and four lateral pads Available in two thicknesses for ease of fitting: 3/4-inch-thick pads, and 1-inch-thick pads (with a 3/4-inch-thick crown pad) Front/rear Front/rear Split-crown water-resistant Similar to water-resistant style above, but with two rectangular crown pads (which can be spaced apart to accommodate a headset) instead of one circular pad Available as 3/4-inch-thick pads Front/rear Adjustable Eight pads total: six bottom pads and two crown pads (which can be spaced apart to accommodate a headset) Each pad consists of three foam pads (two 1/4-inch-thick pads, one 1/2-inch-thick pad) inside a cloth cover to allow for fitting adjustments (shown in detail below) Front/rear Adjustable Pad Detail 1/4-inch-thick foam pads 1/2-inch-thick foam pad Cover Figure 4. Pad Suspension System Styles 4

VAS Shroud and ARC Rails Your helmet may include a factory-installed VAS shroud and/or ARC rails (with or without bungee cords) as shown in Figure 5. VAS shroud Serves as a mounting base for night vision devices and other equipment Interfaces with three-hole helmets Bungee cord (two places) Reduces rattle/vibration of attached components Attaches easily to VAS shroud and rails ARC rail (two places) Serves as a mounting base for cameras, lights, and other items Shares attachment points with retention assembly Figure 5. VAS Shroud, ARC Rail, and Bungee Cord 5

HELMET PREPARATION Helmet preparation includes determining helmet size, checking the fit of the pad suspension, making final adjustments to the helmet, and (as applicable) installing optional components on the helmet. Determining Helmet Size Helmet sizes are Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. To determine helmet size, you must (1) measure and record the wearer s head length, (2) measure and record the wearer s head breadth, (3) measure and record the wearer s head circumference, and (4) select the helmet size based upon the parameters in Table 1 on Page 7. Tools/Equipment Needed Caliper Ruler Tape measure Measuring Head Length 1. Use a caliper and a ruler as shown in Figure 6 to measure the distance (to the nearest 1/16 inch) from the point between the eyebrows to the back of the head. This is the head length. Ensure that the caliper touches the skin lightly and does not indent the skin. 2. Record the measurement. POINTS TO MEASURE Measurement point at back of head Caliper Figure 6. Head Length Measurement point between eyebrows Maximum horizontal width Ruler Measuring Head Breadth 1. Use a caliper and a ruler as shown in Figure 7 to measure the maximum head width (to the nearest 1/16 inch) above the ears. This is the head breadth. Ensure that the caliper touches the skin lightly and does not indent the skin. 2. Record the measurement. POINTS TO MEASURE Caliper Ruler (Continued on next page) Figure 7. Head Breadth 6

Measuring Head Circumference 1. Use a tape measure as shown in Figure 8 to measure the maximum head circumference (to the nearest 1/16 inch) above the ears. 2. Record the measurement. Selecting Helmet Size Referring to Table 1, select the helmet size based on head length, head breadth, and head circumference. Tape measure Figure 8. Head Circumference HELMET SIZE HEAD LENGTH (Inches) Table 1. Sizing Parameters HEAD BREADTH (Inches) HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE (Inches) Small <71/2 <57/8 <217/8 Medium 71/2 to 713/16 57/8 to 61/8 217/8 to 225/8 Large 713/16 to 81/8 61/8 to 65/16 225/8 to 233/8 X-Large >81/8 >65/16 >233/8 NOTE: The sizing parameters for the helmets with fitting pads are based on a fitting pad compression of approximately 30 percent. This is the recommended compression for optimum helmet stability. The sizing parameters for the helmets are approximate. Depending upon the wearer s individual head shape, the next larger or smaller size may be needed. If the helmet will be worn with an M-40 respirator or a GenCom III or Peltor headset, and a head measurement is near the maximum parameter for a given size (as specified in Table 1), a larger size may be needed. Peltor is a trademark of Aearo Company. 7

Checking Pad Suspension Fit (Water-Resistant Pads) Ensure the helmet is properly adjusted for a snug, secure fit at all times when the helmet is worn. Failure to do so can result in an unstable helmet that will not protect the wearer. 1. Place the helmet on the head. Leave the chin strap loose for now. Allow the helmet to settle on the head for a few minutes before checking the fit. Ensure that the front pads are just above the eyebrows. If necessary, adjust the fit as follows: Helmet too high or too tight: Remove the pads and install a thinner pad set (ordered separately) as shown in Figure 9. Re-check the fit. Helmet too low or too loose: Remove the pads and install a thicker pad set (ordered separately) as shown in Figure 9. Re-check the fit. NOTE: The water-resistant pad set (with the round crown pad) is available in the following thicknesses: ¾-inch-thick pads, and 1-inch-thick pads (with a ¾-inch-thick crown pad). The helmet is supplied with one of these pad sets. The user must order other pad sets separately if needed. The split-crown waterresistant pad set is available in a ¾-inch-thick version only. 2. Proceed to Adjusting Retention (Page 11). Front/rear Front/rear Front/rear Front/rear Water-resistant Split-crown water-resistant Figure 9. Water-Resistant Pads 8

Checking Pad Suspension Fit (Adjustable Pads) Ensure that the helmet is properly adjusted for a snug, secure fit at all times when the helmet is worn. Failure to do so can result in an unstable helmet that will not protect the wearer. Each pad contains one ½-inch-thick foam pad and two ¼-inch-thick foam pads inside the cover. For impact protection and helmet stability, you must keep all ½-inch-thick foam pads inside the covers and all pads properly installed in the helmet when the helmet is worn. Remove the ¼-inch-thick pads only where necessary to adjust the fit. 1. Place the helmet on the head. Leave the chin strap loose for now. Allow the helmet to settle on the head for a few minutes before checking the fit. 2. Ensure that the front pads are just above the eyebrows. If the helmet is too high, have the wearer remove the helmet. Referring to Figure 10, adjust the height as follows: a. Remove the two crown pads, noting their position inside the helmet. b. Remove one or both ¼-inch-thick foam pads from each crown pad cover. c. Reinstall both crown pads (with the ½-inch-thick foam pad inside each one) in the helmet in the same positions from which they were removed. Ensure that the opening in each crown pad cover faces the hook fasteners on the inside surface of the helmet. If the wearer uses a headset, space the crown pads to accommodate the headband of the headset. d. Have the wearer don the helmet. Recheck the helmet height. (Continued on next page) PAD DETAIL ¼-inchthick foam pads ½-inchthick foam pad Pad cover Figure 10. Pads 9

3. Ensure that the helmet fit is snug and secure, yet comfortable. If the helmet is too tight, have the wearer remove the helmet, refer to Figure 11, and adjust the bottom pads as follows: a. Remove the bottom pads from the helmet as needed, noting their position inside the helmet. b. Remove one or both ¼-inch-thick foam pads from the pad cover. c. Reinstall the bottom pads (with at least the ½-inch-thick foam pad inside each one) in the helmet in the same positions from which they were removed. Ensure that the opening in each pad cover faces the hook fasteners on the inside surface of the helmet. d. Have the wearer don the helmet again. Recheck the fit. 4. Proceed to Adjusting Retention (Page 11). PAD DETAIL ¼-inchthick foam pads ½-inchthick foam pad Pad cover Figure 11. Pads 10

Adjusting Retention Ensure that all helmet adjustment mechanisms are properly adjusted for a snug, secure fit at all times when the helmet is worn. Failure to do so can result in an unstable helmet that will not protect the wearer. 1. Position the helmet on the head, and buckle the chin strap (Figure 12). With both hands, adjust the two rear slide adjustments simultaneously until the straps are snug. NOTE: This technique works best if you only hold the slide adjustments and don t touch the straps. 2. With both hands, adjust the two front slide adjustments simultaneously until the straps are snug. 3. Check the helmet stability by attempting to rock the helmet back and forth on the head. If the helmet rocks back and forth, it is not stable. Adjust the straps further until the helmet is stable. 4. Release the buckle to remove the helmet. Front slide adjustment (two places) Buckle Rear slide adjustment (two places) Figure 12. Adjusting Retention 11

MAINTENANCE Preventive Maintenance Checks Table 2 lists the preventive maintenance tasks for each component. Table 2. Preventive Maintenance Checks COMPONENT EXAMINE FOR: HELMET IS NOT READY IF: Chinstrap Pads Retention Assembly Helmet Shell Broken buckles; torn or frayed webbing, worn hook/pile fasteners Worn hook/pile fasteners or foam; torn fabric or seams Torn/frayed webbing; broken nape strap buckles; worn nape pad; worn buckle pad Holes, cracks, or delaminations greater than 2 inches Buckles are broken; webbing is torn or frayed; hook/pile fasteners do not secure Hook/pile fasteners or foam are worn, fabric or seams are torn Webbing is torn or frayed; nape strap buckles are broken; nape pad is worn; buckle pad is worn Helmet shell has holes, cracks, or delaminations greater than 2 inches Cleaning Table 3 lists the cleaning procedure for each of the helmet components. COMPONENT Helmet Shell Leather Nape Pad Retention Assembly Pads PROCEDURE Table 3. Cleaning Wipe clean with damp cloth. Clean with soap, rinse thoroughly, wipe dry with clean cloth. Wipe clean with damp cloth. Machine wash with mild detergent in cold water. Allow to air-dry; do not machine-dry. 12

Replacing Pad Suspension Assembly (Water-Resistant) Removal Referring to Figure 13, remove the pads from the helmet, noting their position and orientation in the helmet. Also note the pad thickness: the water-resistant version has ¾-inch-thick or 1-inch-thick pads. (The split-crown water-resistant version has ¾-inch-thick pads only.) Installation 1. Install the replacement pads (of the same thickness) in the helmet in the same manner in which the previous pads were installed. 2. Don the helmet, and check the fit in accordance with Page 8 through Page 11 as applicable. Make any necessary adjustments. Front/rear Front/rear Front/rear Front/rear Water-resistant Split-crown water-resistant Figure 13. Water-Resistant Pads 13

Replacing Pad Suspension Assembly (Adjustable) Removal 1. Referring to Figure 14, remove the pads from the helmet, noting their position and orientation in the helmet. 2. Look inside each of the removed pads, noting which foam pads are installed inside the cover. Installation Each pad contains one ½-inch-thick foam pad and two ¼-inch-thick foam pads inside the cover. For impact protection and helmet stability, you must keep all ½-inch-thick foam pads inside the covers and all pads properly installed in the helmet when the helmet is worn. Remove the ¼-inch-thick pads only where necessary to adjust the fit. 1. Obtain the replacement pads. If only the ½-inch-thick foam pads were used in the previous pads, remove the ¼-inch-thick foam pads from the replacement pads in the same manner. Otherwise, leave the ¼-inch-thick foam pads inside. 2. Install the replacement pads in the helmet in the same manner in which the previous pads were installed. If the wearer uses a headset, space the crown pads to accommodate the headband of the headset. 3. Don the helmet, and check the fit in accordance with Page 8 through Page 11 as applicable. Make any necessary adjustments. PAD DETAIL Pad cover ¼-inchthick foam pads ½-inchthick foam pad Figure 14. Adjustable Pads 14

Replacing Retention Assembly (All Styles) Removal 1. Referring to Figure 15, remove the front and rear pads as necessary to reach the attaching hardware of the retention assembly on the inside of the helmet, noting the position of the pads. Remove Remove 2. Referring to Figure 16, remove the four screws and T-nuts attaching the retention assembly (and the ARC rails, if installed) to the helmet. NOTE: Figure 16 shows the H-style retention assembly. The same procedure applies to the X-style retention assembly. Remove Figure 15. Pads to Remove T-nut (four places) Remove ARC rail (on some helmets) Installation 1. Install the replacement retention assembly (and the ARC rails, if applicable) with the four screws and T-nuts. Screw (four places) 2. Reinstall the front and rear pads in the positions from which they were removed. 3. Don the helmet, and check the fit in accordance with Page 8 through Page 11 as applicable. Make any necessary adjustments. Figure 16. Retention Hardware 15

ORDERING On the next page are helmet part numbers for the TBH II MC, TBH II HC- MC, and TBH II HST-MC helmets. The helmet part numbers correspond to the components shown in Figure 17 below. Each helmet part number also includes four suffixes that denote helmet variations (color, retention type, pad type, and additional components). These variations are shown in Figure 18 on Page 18; suffixes are on Page 19. For more information, contact Gentex Corporation, P.O. Box 315, Carbondale, PA 18407, phone (570)282-3550, fax (570)282-8555, www.gentexcorp.com. Helmet Part Numbers Figure 17 shows the three main helmet styles, each of which has three NVG hole options. Each helmet style has a corresponding parts list on Page 17. TBH II HC-MC (13900 series) TBH II MC (13899 series) TBH II HST-MC (13901 series) NVG Attachment Options No holes (non-nvg) One hole Three holes Figure 17. Helmet Styles and Hole Options 16

Part Numbers: TBH II MC Helmet Size No NVG Holes One NVG Hole Three NVG Holes Small A13899-1* A13899-5* A13899-9* Medium A13899-2* A13899-6* A13899-10* Large A13899-3* A13899-7* A13899-11* X-Large A13899-4* A13899-8* A13899-12* Part Numbers: TBH II HC-MC Helmet Size No NVG Holes One NVG Hole Three NVG Holes Small A13900-1* A13900-5* A13900-9* Medium A13900-2* A13900-6* A13900-10* Large A13900-3* A13900-7* A13900-11* X-Large A13900-4* A13900-8* A13900-12* Part Numbers: TBH II HST-MC Helmet Size No NVG Holes One NVG Hole Three NVG Holes Small A13901-1* A13901-5* A13901-9* Medium A13901-2* A13901-6* A13901-10* Large A13901-3* A13901-7* A13901-11* X-Large A13901-4* A13901-8* A13901-12* * See Pages 18-19 for helmet variations and part number suffixes (color, retention, pad type, and additional components such as shrouds and rails). 17

Helmet Variations Each helmet part number is followed by four suffixes that denote the helmet variations shown in Figure 18 below. The first suffix (A through M) denotes helmet shell color. The second suffix (99, 01 through 12) denotes retention color and type. The third suffix (Z, A through E) denotes pad suspension type and thickness. The fourth suffix (ZZ, AA through EC) denotes the NVG shroud and ARC rail (with or without bungee cord). Example: A13900-9A09CEC A13900-9...TBH II HC-MC Helmet, Small, three NVG holes A...Helmet shell, Black 09...H-style retention, Black, Small/Medium C...Adjustable pad suspension EC...VAS shroud, Black; ARC rail with bungee, Black Pads Helmet shell VAS shroud ARC rail (two places) Water-resistant Split-crown water-resistant H-style retention Bungee (two places) Adjustable X-style retention Figure 18. Helmet Variations 18

Helmet shell color suffixes: A Black B Green C Olive Drab D CHP Blue E F G H UN Blue Desert Tan Foliage Green Coyote Brown J K L M Metallic Blue N/A Gray Fast Tan Retention suffixes: NOTE: Ensure that the retention assembly size matches the helmet size. 99 Not required 01 H-style, Tan, Small/Medium 03 H-style, Tan, Large/X-Large 05 H-style, Foliage Green, Small/Medium 07 H-style, Foliage Green, Large/X-Large 09 H-style, Black, Small/Medium 11 H-style, Black, Large/X-Large 02 X-style, Tan, Small/Medium 04 X-style, Tan, Large/X-Large 06 X-style, Foliage Green, Small/Medium 08 X-style, Foliage Green, Large/X-Large 10 X-style, Black, Small/Medium 12 X-style, Black, Large/X-Large Pad suffixes: Z Not required A Water-resistant ¾-inch-thick pad set B Water-resistant 1-inch-thick pad set C Adjustable pad suspension D Ops-Core pad set (not shown) E Split-crown water-resistant ¾-inch-thick pad set Additional component suffixes: ZZ Not required AA VAS shroud, Tan BA ARC rail, Tan CA ARC rail with bungee, Tan DA VAS shroud, Tan; ARC rail, Tan EA VAS shroud, Tan; ARC rail with bungee, Tan AB VAS shroud, Foliage Green BB ARC rail, Foliage Green CB ARC rail with bungee, Foliage Green DB VAS shroud, Foliage Green; ARC rail, Foliage Green EB VAS shroud, Foliage Green; ARC rail with bungee, Foliage Green AC VAS shroud, Black BC ARC rail, Black CC ARC rail with bungee, Black DC VAS shroud, Black; ARC rail, Black EC VAS shroud, Black; ARC rail with bungee, Black 19

TP0373 NOVEMBER 2013