Galvion has introduced the Batlskin Hellbender™ UL (Ultra-Light) helmet, an ultra-lightweight ballistic head system designed to provide force-wide standardization for modern armed forces without sacrificing performance.
The Hellbender™ UL is engineered as a complete head system, designed to deliver enhanced protection through optimized shell geometry. An innovative manufacturing process increases ballistic performance while reducing overall weight, resulting in high structural rigidity and impact resistance.
This helmet is available in four sizes (S-XL) and two cuts, including a Mid/Full cut option that balances maximum coverage with communications integration. It features a low-profile, rattle-free shroud, ballistic hardware, and integrated cable channels and pass-throughs to reduce snag hazards. The design ensures optimized coverage and stability while maintaining compatibility with face shields, night-vision devices, chem/bio masks, and other mission-critical systems.
The Hellbender™ UL incorporates Galvion’s Apex™ liner system, providing full-coverage impact protection combined with a highly adjustable fit architecture for enhanced stability, comfort, and endurance during extended wear. Designed with future integration in mind, the helmet offers a scalable foundation capable of supporting Galvion’s Cortex™ advanced computing and digital capabilities as operational requirements evolve.
Galvion’s Hellbender™ platform has already been fielded across multiple international programs to meet diverse operational requirements. In August 2025, the company announced a USD 130 million contract award from the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which selected a variant of the Hellbender platform for its Integrated Helmet System (IHS) program.
The new Hellbender™ UL variant incorporates insights and user feedback gathered over several years of development and operational deployment across a wide range of theaters.
Galvion’s helmet system development approach is supported by established regional production and large-scale delivery capabilities. The company has invested in localized manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure in Europe, including its European Production Hub in Poland. This facility supports the delivery of 250,000 Caiman® helmets ordered to date under its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract.
As European forces continue to modernize their soldier systems, Galvion is extending its regionalized production model to support broader adoption of its helmet platforms, including the Hellbender™ UL.
Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of Galvion, commented, “The Hellbender UL is an ultra-lightweight platform that is a high-performing solution aligned with the evolving needs of NATO and European forces, particularly those who require a full cut system.
“This is a milestone addition to our lightweight helmet portfolio, complementing our widely fielded Caiman® system, and exemplifies our system-level approach that considers not only protection, but also integration, sustainment, and future capability growth. This helmet is designed for forces that expect their equipment to evolve with them, without compromise.”
The launch coincides with EnforceTac 2026, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from 23-25 February, where the Hellbender™ UL will be showcased alongside Galvion’s broader portfolio of head systems and power and data solutions at booth 9-556.
