Project Venus is proposed to meet expanding demands on current overloaded helmet systems. It is a lightweight total head modular system emphasizing protection and human factors concerns. Comfort is key for the technology-and-user-driven appliance that will create a pride of ownership - no helmet is worth much if soldiers will not wear it when needed. The modular architecture has two basic properties: a stand-alone system and interactive subsystems performed on the hypothesis that increased design reuse of subsystems and parts of existing helmet designs have a vast heritage. Clean Sheet Approach integrates the ABC learning curve (American, British & Canadian), ACG vast experiences and feedback from the end-users. Project Venus offers: (1) a modular styled helmet shape, opposite from "porridge-bowl" and "liberty bell" forms with a new surface finish, biomimicked smart materials replacing foams, chin strapless, shoulder-wrap, and with human factorial comfort providing protection to total head and upper proximity, (2) a ballistic and structural performance are improved by replacing outer 1/3rd with a carbon epoxy, maintaining `swatch fabric system, and replacing KM2 with Zylon fiber, (3) a modular Visual and Virtual Sensory Ensemble offering flat, 3-D geospatial helmet displays, and (4) a completely modular portable, self-powered ear-level communication system providing two-way communication, two-way video, 3-D audio processing, noise reduction and enhanced hearing using COTS PC and wireless technologies.
Benefits: ACG, in its experience with previous products, has formulated that the helmets core technology and unique new design will be general enough to ensure commercial success. ACG will extensively use industrial design as an important tool for both satisfying customer needs and differentiating their products from those of their competition. ACG design will communicate a mature visual quality helmet in addition to its utility and low cost
