HUD-less JSF Test Flys Helmet Mounted Display System

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he new Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) developed for the JSF is providing both display system and sight, replacing the traditional head-up display used in earlier generation fighters. A Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) made by Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI) recently flew for the first time on an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It was worn by Lockheed Martin's Jon Beesley, who piloted the advanced fighter. The HMDS provides the pilot video with imagery in day or night conditions combined with precision symbology to give the pilot situational awareness and tactical capability. Also, by virtue of precise head tracking capability and low latency graphics processing, it provides the pilot with a virtual heads-up display (HUD). As a result, the F-35 is the first tactical fighter jet in 50 years to fly without a HUD.

F35 JSF seen during one of its recent test flights. The new helmet display and sight will provide th epilot a virtual HUD,. the basic aircraft does not have built-in HUD, but uses the combination of wide area flat screen and helmet display . "Since the F-35 has no HUD, providing virtual HUD capability has become a mandatory requirement, entailing precise head tracking and display operation near zero latency. We are proud to be a key partner to the F-35 industrial and government team," said VSI President Drew Brugal.

The HMDS provides critical flight information to the pilot throughout the entire mission. In addition to standard HMD capabilities, such as extreme off-axis targeting and cueing offered on VSI's other HMDs, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and Display & Sight Helmet (DASH), this system fully utilizes the advanced avionics architecture of the F-35.

The HMDS has been in development for five years and recently completed all required safety of flight tests, allowing in-flight seat ejections up to 450 KEAS (knots equivalent air speed). It has The JSF is the first aircraft in 50 years that is not equipped with HUD, instead it is fitted with wide area flat screen and the helmet display and sight system. This aircraft is flown by Jon Beasley,, wearing a standard (non HMDS) helmet. demonstrated structural integrity to 600 KEAS as a critical risk mitigation step towards full flight certification.

Principal suppliers include Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESL), which provides the Display Management Computer for the Helmet that contains advanced graphic processing and head tracking; Rockwell Collins, which builds the Helmet Mounted Display, including advanced optical design; and Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd. (HISL) of the United Kingdom, providing the helmet shell and pilot personal fitting system.