Head protection and power management specialist Galvion announced on 18 January 2024 it is introducing EDG (Energy Data Grid, pronounced ‘Edge’): a modular and scalable power and data distribution and management system for headborne accessories.
The announcement coincides with Shot Show 2024, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 23-26 January 2024, where Galvion will be exhibiting EDG alongside its other products.
Galvion says it developed the EDG headborne system “in response to the continuing and escalating power and data needs of the warfighter”. Developed over multiple years, the scalable power solution was first introduced on Galvion’s PDxT helmet platform to meet the operational needs of the US Marine Corps as a part of a Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).
Designed through an iterative development cycle incorporating real-time feedback from USMC trials throughout the process, the EDG system represents a critical step in transitioning from a protective ‘helmet’ to an ‘integrated helmet system’ that enhances lethality and survivability. In response to similar operational needs across multiple global customers and end-users, the EDG system will be available for Galvion’s flagship Batlskin Caiman head system and, when released for full production, can be retrofitted to a fielded helmet or delivered as a fully assembled helmet system.
The EDG system includes a base power pack, powered by a single CR123 battery, and an attachable extended power pack that accommodates a minimum of two and up to six AA batteries, boosting power availability and delivery when needed, but removeable to lighten the load when not.
The system also features a battery-powered strobe and VAS connection point, ready for emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality. It features an independent task light and evolved rails with integrated cable management and storage. An innovative feature of the system is its state-of-charge indicators on the extended power pack, also viewable in the night vision goggle display, ensuring operators know how much power they have available at all times.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, was quoted by the company as saying: “We are heavily invested in preparing our military and tactical teams to meet the ever-evolving technology and equipment demands of the modern battlefield. We work with tier one customers every day and see the challenges coming with the proliferation of headborne accessories and capabilities. Managing their power and data needs is a critical part of that.
“The EDG system represents a united effort across Galvion’s power and data, industrial design, human performance, and head systems teams to develop a user-focused solution, and we’re excited to introduce this capability to our global customer base,” he said.
“We’re also excited about the future opportunity to include EDG in our NSPA [NATO Support and Procurement Agency] framework contract so our multiple NATO customers can more easily access this technology and capability,” Stirtzinger added.
