As military head protection evolves, manufacturers are focusing on ballistic performance, impact protection, comfort and system integration. At Eurosatory 2026, Team Wendy, alongside Avon Protection, presented two new helmet solutions. These include the EXFIL Recon bump helmet and the company’s latest rifle-rated ballistic helmet, RIFLETECH.
EXFIL Recon Designed for Modern Operational Demands
The EXFIL Recon is Team Wendy’s newest bump helmet platform. It was developed with military and professional end users in the United States and international markets. The goal was to create a versatile helmet. It delivers strong impact protection while integrating with the accessories used by today’s operators.
Designed mainly for training and non-ballistic operations, the EXFIL Recon meets multiple performance standards. It meets recognized whitewater and mountaineering safety standards. It also provides enhanced blunt impact protection inspired by combat helmet requirements.
Team Wendy achieved this through a carbon crown reinforcement. This increases impact resistance while maintaining a low overall weight. The platform also features reverse dovetail accessory rails, providing broad compatibility with existing helmet-mounted equipment. The open architecture allows users to integrate communications systems, lights, cameras and other accessories. It also avoids reliance on proprietary mounting solutions.
This makes the helmet attractive for European and international users operating mixed equipment inventories. As interoperability becomes increasingly important, compatibility with existing equipment ecosystems plays a greater role in helmet selection.
Research-Driven Focus on Traumatic Brain Injury
While ballistic and impact protection remain essential, Team Wendy continues to focus on reducing traumatic brain injuries through advanced helmet design. The company has invested heavily in government-funded research programs. These examine how helmet systems can better manage impact energy and reduce traumatic brain injuries from blunt impacts and blast exposure.
This research has directly influenced the EXFIL Recon’s internal construction. The helmet does not rely on a single impact-absorbing material. Instead, it combines an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner with an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) liner. It is also supplemented by Team Wendy’s comfort pads and advanced lattice material.
Each component helps manage impact energy across different loading conditions. The lattice technology also supports thermal management. Its open structure creates internal air channels that allow heat to escape more effectively.
This improves airflow during prolonged use. Passive cooling solutions are becoming increasingly valuable as operators wear helmets with communications systems, night vision devices and other electronic accessories.
Rifle-Rated Protection Without Compromising Ballistic Integrity
Alongside the EXFIL Recon, Team Wendy presented its latest rifle-rated ballistic helmet. The design focuses on preserving the protective integrity of the helmet shell. Several manufacturers now offer rifle-rated ballistic helmets. However, relatively few provide standalone rifle-rated solutions.
A major engineering challenge has traditionally been mounting hardware. Conventional designs often require holes drilled through the shell for retention systems, accessory rails and night vision shrouds. These penetrations are necessary but can create potential structural weak points within the ballistic shell.
Team Wendy addresses this issue through a no-through-hole design. The system integrates raised mounting interfaces directly into the helmet exterior. This allows retention systems, accessory rails and night vision shrouds to attach without penetrating the ballistic shell. The result is preserved ballistic integrity with full compatibility for modern accessories.
The design reflects a broader trend within the body armour industry. Manufacturers are seeking greater protection while increasing modularity and compatibility with soldier-worn equipment.
Advanced Liner System Enhances Protection
The rifle-rated helmet also benefits from Team Wendy’s ongoing traumatic brain injury research. It incorporates an advanced liner system designed to improve impact attenuation during operations.
Like the EXFIL Recon, the rifle-rated helmet uses the company’s lattice technology. It creates ventilation channels that improve airflow and regulate internal temperatures during extended missions. By combining impact management with passive cooling, the design improves protection and long-term wearability. It does so without compromising ballistic performance.
The Evolution of Military Head Protection
The products introduced by Team Wendy at Eurosatory 2026 highlight the continued evolution of military head protection. As armed forces modernize their soldier systems, helmets are becoming integrated platforms. They combine ballistic performance, impact mitigation, modular accessory integration and thermal management.
With the EXFIL Recon and its latest rifle-rated helmet, Team Wendy is addressing key challenges in next-generation head protection. From advanced impact management and no-through-hole construction to improved ventilation and modular integration, the company’s latest developments reflect growing demand for advanced helmet systems.
These systems must provide protection while enhancing operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission environments.
