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New Jet Fighter Helmet 'Sees' Through Floors

Posted November 15, 2007 10:49 AM

From CNET News.com:

The new combat helmet now being tested may become an integral part of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, replacing the traditional jet fighter head-up display with computerized "symbology" projected directly onto the pilot's visor. In addition to keeping pilots on top of navigation, weapons and other aircraft, the Helmet Mounted Display System will superimpose a binocular-wide field-of-view, infrared image of the world below, allowing the pilot to "look through" the cockpit floor at night. This will let a pilot turn in any direction and still be able to see a virtual heads-up display, replacing the information that is currently seen only at the front of the cockpit. If it works, the F-35 will be the first tactical fighter jet in 50 years to fly without an HUD. The British Royal Air Force's Centre for Aviation Medicine is evaluating the helmet, which is manufactured by Silicon Valley-based Vision Systems International and Helmet Integrated Systems. They may want to add the following label. "Warning: In case of crash, remove helmet before approaching natives for assistance."

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Guru

Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 548
#1

Re: New Jet Fighter Helmet 'Sees' Through Floors

11/15/2007 1:34 PM

Remember rabits , horses, chameleon which can see all directions simultaneously , it is dangereous , when quick reflexes , actions are needed , it is good as far as facility is concerned for easy navigation but continuous use will litterally blind the pilot , let human eyes do the job first

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Guru
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Join Date: May 2006
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#2
In reply to #1

Re: New Jet Fighter Helmet 'Sees' Through Floors

11/15/2007 8:40 PM

Your analogy is wrong. The F-35 (JSF) pilot does not see in all directions at the same time. Rather, he sees exactly what he points his eyes at, exactly as you and I see now.

The JSF incorporates banks of cameras that allow the pilot to see what he would normally see as if the cockpit and plane were absent when he peers downward or in any direction besides the canopy. This includes FLIR (Infrared). He will even see through himself if he looks at his legs or torso.

As a privet pilot (and someone that builds and flies fighter simulators for the military) I can tell you this is a huge advantage tactically. When an adversary launches a missile at you, keeping eye contact on the object is critical. The same goes for an enemy aircraft. Loosing contact can get you killed. Radar is very limited as I can tell you from personal experience and it is easy to loose radar lock when an adversary gets far enough off the nose.

Furthermore, the helmet allows the pilot to look directly down when ascending in the VTOL mode, which the Harrier does not permit.

In addition to the ability to see in every direction you also always have the HUD data in view regardless of where you look. This is very useful when engaging a target, which is rarely in the HUD view and you can't see critical flight data unless you break eye contact to check that data.

The Israeli Air Force has been using this in their fighters for a long time (the targeting aspect of helmet mounted displays) and combat tests against US aircraft have consistently beaten us because of this.

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