BAE Systems Delivers New Brain Injury Analysis Technology to U.S. Army

PHOENIX, Arizona – BAE Systems has delivered the first 5,500 Headborne Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Systems (HEADS) – a new technology that will help scientists analyze the forces sustained by soldiers’ heads in impacts and blasts – to the U.S. Army for distribution to the service’s 4th Infantry Division.

BAE Systems developed HEADS in cooperation with the Army’s Program Executive Office for Soldier. Data from the system may be used to build better protective systems and to accelerate research for the diagnosis and treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

“The HEADS system allows for the detection of helmet acceleration and environmental pressure,” said Sean Martin, director, business development of Individual Equipment for BAE Systems. “The ability to detect these types of forces allows for analysis which can assist the industry in developing better protective equipment.”

HEADS incorporates state-of-the-art accelerometer and pressure sensor technology that is capable of detecting and recording the forces sustained by soldiers during combat operations. Mounted to the inside of the helmet shell, the system is extremely small and lightweight. Compatible with the Advanced Combat and the Combat Vehicle Crewman helmets, the system is not noticeable to the wearer and does not interfere with additional helmet-mounted equipment such as goggles and other sensors.

Work will be completed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Jessup, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona.