Striker II takes to the skies: Advanced helmet uses a night vision camera to help fighter pilots fly under the cover of darkness
- BAE Systems has begun night trials on Striker II helmet-mounted display
- Striker II's night vision camera sends information onto the helmet's visor
- Helmet removes the need for heavy night vision goggles currently worn
- Heavy goggles increase g-force pressures on the head and neck of pilots, limiting their manoeuvrability in the cockpit
Fighter pilots may soon be able to ditch their heavy night vision goggles in favour of a high-tech display that beams information directly into their line of sight.
BAE Systems has begun night trials on its lightweight, Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD) which it claims is the 'most advanced fighter pilot helmet' ever made.
The helmet not only offers the pilots a clear and accurate display, it seamlessly transitions between day and night to account for varying light levels during early morning and dusk missions.
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BAE Systems has begun night trials on its lightweight, Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD) which it claims is the 'most advanced fighter pilot helmet' ever made. The helmet (pictured) not only offers the pilots a clear and accurate display, it seamlessly transitions between day and night during early morning and dusk missions
The trials have already begun and involved night flights from its Military Air and Information business in Warton, Lancashire.
'Striker II has a high-definition, lightweight night vision camera which translates information and displays it on the helmet's visor,' said Peter Kosogorin, test pilot for BAE Systems.
'This removes the need for heavy night vision goggles which increase g-force pressures on the head and neck, limiting the pilot's manoeuvrability in the cockpit.'
If the trials are successful, BAE Systems hopes to create a fully integrated digital night vision helmet replacing the need for these analogue goggles.
BAE Systems will additionally continue to test the helmet on the Typhoon aircraft in another series of flight trials later this year.
'The second set of trials is the next step in the flight test program to prove Striker II offers true 'plug and play' compatibility with the Typhoon and builds upon the initial trials to further evaluate the digital night vision capability,' added Chris Colston, business development director at BAE Systems.
Elsewhere, Striker II includes a cutting-edge tracking system that ensures the pilot's exact head position and the aircraft computer system are continuously in sync, reducing problems common to other HMD's.
Striker II also includes a cutting-edge tracking system that ensures the pilot's exact head position and the aircraft computer system are continuously in sync, reducing problems common to other HMD's. The tracking system in Striker II eliminates any delay in determining where the pilot is looking
The Striker II night trials are taking place at the Military Air and Information business in Lancashire
The tracking system in Striker II eliminates any delay in determining where the pilot is looking and can therefore position the symbols and data in the correct place on the visor.
The results are 'high-precision target tracking and engagement as well as superior situational awareness and mission effectiveness'.
BAE Systems is a leading expert in the avionics systems and advanced cockpit technologies for both military and commercial planes.
It also develops technology for on-the-ground soldiers.
Earlier this month it unveiled a radio that uses bone conduction technology to help soldiers communicate on the battlefield.
The prototype harnesses the body’s natural ability to transmit sound through bones, transferring messages directly from the soldier’s armoured helmet to the inner ear.
Troops use radios to speak to each other and understand the environment around them but they also need to protect themselves from loud noises such as gunfire and explosions.
BAE's engineers have adapted technology often used in commercial headphones and hearing aids for military use.
It means soldiers can wear sound proof ear protectors and still receive audio messages.
It works because the human body can transmit sound through bones as well as via sound waves travelling through the ear canal.
BAE Systems will additionally continue to test the helmet (pictured) on the Typhoon aircraft in another series of flight trials later this year. 'The second set of trials is the next step in the flight test program to prove Striker II offers true "plug and play" compatibility', explained the firm
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