Aircrew Helmet Enhancement

Fully Articulating Air Bladder System (F.A.A.B.S.)

Key Features

Improved Helmet Fit: The Fully Articulating Air Bladder System (FAABS, pronounced fabs) provides a custom fit without requiring spacers or other current add-ons for helmet fit. Lowers the amount of time to properly fit a helmet to the user by allowing the user to inflate FAABS until the helmet fits comfortably.

Increased Helmet Stability: FAABS acts as a stabilizing enhancement because it secures the ear seal to the user’s cranium, thus providing more surface area for the helmet to grip. This increased stability reduces helmet roll and makes the helmet a better platform for Night Vision Devices (NVDs) and Helmet Cueing Systems.

Increased Hearing Protection: By securing the ear seal tighter around the user’s ears, hearing protection is inherently increased. This is supported with testing by the Battlespace Acoustic Division of Air Force Research Laboratory and NAVAIR.

Improves the Fit and Stability of your helmet, increases the protection from noise.

Operation and Maintenance

FAABS is simple to use once installed in the helmet. The inflation bulb can be placed in a user selected area of the helmet that is easy to get to, but not in the way. The size of the bulb was carefully selected to allow the user to quickly inflate the bladders and receive immediate feedback that they are actively filling the bladders. A quick-release button will deflate the bladder to allow quick removal of the helmet. The bladders and tubing are made of materials used in G-Suit and Life Preserver bladders to ensure they meet the rigors of use in aviation. Bladders are maintained by visual inspection and a 30-minute inflation test that can be done in parallel to the standard helmet inspection schedule.

Product Performance

The FAABS allows the ear seal to better conform to the wearer’s skull as it provides a pivot-point along the interior of the helmet shell that will ensure the earcup is at the skull and not with some gaps due to the interior of the helmet not fitting conformally. This means that the FAABS will increase hearing protection no matter the cup in front of the FAABS. Studies by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force have shown this to be true in independent tests for various helmets and earcups.

Hard Plates for use with Soft Back Ear Seals

Adaptable to Almost All Helmets

SPH Helmets (4 or 5)

HGU Helmets (55, 56, 68, 84)

Gallet, Paraclete, and EVO Helmets

Compatible with Army Ground Vehicle Helmets

Thoroughly Tested for the Rigors of Flight

Knowing that FAABS was to be used in aircraft and subject to changing pressures it was extensively tested to ensure that it does not fail. It has been pressure tested up to the equivalent of 75,000 feet and been exposed to rapid decompression from 22,500 feet to 60,000 feet. The materials are non-corrosive and safe for use in pure oxygen environments. FAABS has been installed in a variety of helmets used by both military and civilian users.

Contact PFG for any questions or assistance with Hearing Protection.

1-844-PRO-FLYT (776-3598)

*Your request for a quote or information will be responded to in the order received, typically within 3 to 5 business days.