BAE Systems' Platform Solutions division commenced trials late last month of the helmet-mounted display (HMD) system for the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 2 strike aircraft, following the approval of a significant order to equip the air forces of Italy and the UK, writes Justin Wastnage.
To augment the head-up display (HUD) supplied with Tranche 1 examples of the Eurofighter on order for Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the helmet is a high-resolution binocular system which will display virtual HUD symbology and video imagery from the aircraft's sensors. The design underwent its first in a series of flight tests from BAE's Warton manufacturing plant in Lancashire on 21 December, one week after Tranche 2 production of the Eurofighter was approved (Flight International, 21 December-3 January).
Platform Solutions' vice president for business development Dean McCumiskey says the start of the trials programme coincided with the helmet's inclusion into Tranche 2 orders from Italy and the UK, and adds that Germany and Spain could follow suit. "A significant order for the helmet has been placed by the Eurofighter consortium," he says.
BAE's helmet design for the Typhoon has already passed 600kt (1,100km/h) ejection and windblast testing. The design is also being tested for use with the South African Air Force's future Saab/BAE Gripen fighters and BAE Hawk 120 trainers, and a further development has already been selected as the alternative HMD system for the UK's future Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
Source: Flight International
