Ceradyne to deliver test helmets

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 24 (UPI) -- Ceradyne Inc. has been selected to deliver development test helmets to the U.S. Marine Corps following a response to a next-generation helmet solicitation.

U.S. company Ceradyne, which in June purchased New Hampshire-based Diaphorm's ballistic combat and non-combat helmet business, will be expected to deliver developmental test helmets under contracts worth approximately $1.2 million.

Officials say the developmental test helmet awards, resulting from the Marine Corps solicitation, is part of an effort to equip U.S. troops with next-generation helmet technologies.

"Our enhanced combat helmet team is very pleased and excited regarding this recent award," David Reed, Ceradyne North American Operations president, said in a statement.

"This type of product is exactly what we had in mind when we developed our diversification and acquisition strategy -- taking advantage of our state-of-the-art ballistic technology in areas of the military where our past performance and quality are already established. This strategy led directly to our recent Diaphorm acquisition."