BAE Systems, ROCHESTER, United Kingdom: BAE Systems has delivered to Saab AB the first fully functional Gripen helmet-mounted display system, including a high-speed optical head tracker. This event follows the May 2004 first flight of the mechanical Gripen helmet.
BAE Systems received the Gripen helmet contract in 2003 and has been developing the system in close cooperation with Saab AB and partners including Denel Optronics of South Africa. Denel led the development of the electronics unit that incorporates a unique optical head tracker.
The Gripen helmet display system builds on the technology now being delivered on the Eurofighter Typhoon, offering the pilot binocular day/night, 360-degree visibility in a lightweight, comfortable package. The system enables enhanced operational capability with reduced workload by displaying real-time information, such as flight parameters, sensor data, target cueing, and weapon status via intelligent sensors triggered by the pilot's head motion onto the binocular visor. The design provides optimum comfort and protection to the pilot throughout the flight envelope, even in aggressive high-“g” maneuvers.
The second (B) development model helmet will be installed in the Gripen simulator in Linkoping, Sweden, for verification and validation of the software and integration tests with the interfacing computer systems. Full-scale production is anticipated to begin by mid-2006, with delivery to Saab for integration into the Gripen for the South African Air Force.
A variant of the Typhoon/Gripen helmet system employing state-of-the-art digital displays is under development as an alternate helmet design for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. This technology has also been adapted for rotary-wing applications and is in flight test in the U.K. as part of the Condor II program.
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. BAE Systems North America is one of America's foremost national security, aerospace, and information systems companies.
