A look at jump-certified Team Wendy helmets on the 73rd anniversary of the U.S. Air Force

Five Team Wendy jump helmets are approved for airborne operations

Today the United States Air Force and Air National Guard celebrates their 73^rd anniversary. Team Wendy has worked with the USAF for the last 15 years, and takes pride in supporting and protecting its men and women.
 
In reality, the USAF’s history extends well past 73 years. U.S. servicemen took to the skies shortly after the invention of flight. Ohio’s Wright brothers developed the Wright Military Flyer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1909, just six years after flying for the first time on the beaches of Kittyhawk. The Wright Military Flyer, a two-seat biplane, was powered by an engine capable of 30 to 40 horsepower.
 
The U.S. Army stood up the Army Air Service as a separate entity from the Signal Corps in 1918. In 1926, the Army established the Air Corps, then the Army Air Forces in 1941.
 
The creation of the United States Air Force became a logical extension of 20^th century progress. President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act in 1947 to establish the branch to focus on aerial warfare. The document also called for the creation of the Department of Defense and instilled the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
 
Today the Air Force is made up of more than 320,000 active duty airmen and about 70,000 reserve airmen. Roughly 106,000 airmen make up the Air National Guard.
 
Military airborne operations have been a capability carried out by Air Force personnel since the Vietnam War. The USAF now ranks as Team Wendy’s largest DOD customer for complete helmet systems partly due to the five different Team Wendy helmets that are jump certified. A jump-certified helmet is a helmet approved for airborne operations. Essentially, it allows USAF personnel to use our helmets during static line and special operations free fall insertions.
 
Team Wendy’s EXFIL^® Ballistic SL, EXFIL^® Ballistic, EXFIL^® Carbon, EXFIL^® LTP and  EXFIL^® SAR Tactical have all been tested and approved for airborne operations by the United States Air Force 412^th Test Wing and their Test Parachute Program (TPP). The 412^th Test Wing oversees day-to-day operations at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. Testing is very specific, and requirements are dictated by the Air Force, and the 412^th Test Wing conducts any tests.

Airborne insertions require the right gear, and we’re proud to offer solutions to the USAF. Congratulations to the USAF and Air National Guard on 73 years of service.
 
 
By Mike Silva
U.S. Military Market Manager