Impulse Assessment of the Enhanced Combat Helmet - Marine Corps with the ComTac V (TM) Headset and the Howard Leight (TM) MAX (R) Earplug

This technical memorandum describes the IPIL testing conducted on a combined configuration that included the Gentex Corporation Enhanced Combat Helmet Marine Corps, the 3M PELTOR ComTac V Hearing Defender Headset, and the Howard Leight MAX Earplug. Testing included two test modes for the ComTac V: passive and active. In all occluded conditions, the ECH-M, ComTac V, and Howard Leight MAX were donned. Testing was completed in accordance with the ANSI standard S12.42-2010. All device samples were tested at the nominal levels of 150, 160, and 170 decibel peak (dBP, re: 20Pa). A total of five samples were fitted to an acoustic test fixture two times each for a total of 10 trials per test level in both the passive and active test modes. These results suggest that the ComTac V, when functioning properly and fitted in combination with the ECH-M and Howard Leight MAX earplugs can adequately protect against impulses below 180.0 dBP in both the passive and the active test modes.