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BAE SYSTEMS Awarded Contract For Development Of Alternate F-35 Helmet-Mounted Display

08 Sep 2004

BAE Systems Platform Solutions has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin for the initial design of an alternate helmet-mounted display (HMD) system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The helmet design is based heavily on the design of the Eurofighter Typhoon binocular helmet, which is in the final stages of development.

The F-35 JSF alternate HMD will be a high-resolution, binocular system driven by powerful processor and graphics processor modules. The head tracker, based on that in the Typhoon helmet, is a high speed, high-accuracy, low-latency optical system. The helmet will be designed to display “virtual HUD (Head-Up Display)” symbology and video imagery from the F-35 sensors and also will be compatible with helmet-mounted high-resolution night vision cameras.

The Eurofighter helmet that serves as the basis for the F-35 design recently passed a series of stringent tests, including impact and penetration to U.K. and European standards, 600-plus-knot windblast, and 600-plus-knot ejection. In addition, high “g” comfort and stability testing has been carried out on the Hawk and Gripen aircraft, ensuring a high degree of confidence in the helmet configuration that will allow BAE Systems to quickly develop the helmet to meet the F-35 specification and the customer’s schedule requirements.

The helmet’s fully integrated design ensures the compatibility of protection, life support, and electro-optics, and also incorporates the integration of a respirator for protection in nuclear, biological, and chemical environments.

Of three aircraft variants being developed under the multinational Joint Strike Fighter program, the UK Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will fly the short take-off and vertical landing version, designated F-35B.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom.

The company is dedicated to solving its customers’ needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Platform Solutions serves the aerospace and defence community with capabilities and products that improve operational safety and enhance mission effectiveness. Platform Solutions supports a wide range of military and commercial platforms, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and unmanned vehicles with capabilities in vehicle management, human-machine interface, precision navigation, all-weather operation, power management, and mission information management. A unit of BAE Systems North America and based in Johnson City, New York, Platform Solutions employs more than 6,000 people at facilities in the United States and United Kingdom.