Combat pilots flying at night have used specialized aviator’s night vision goggles (ANVIS) for many years. These night vision devices were designed to be lightweight and comfortable for use in cockpits specially modified with light filtering to match night vision devices. While ANVIS solutions are highly useful for helicopter pilots, fighter pilots flying fast jets that use ANVIS lack the advanced capabilities they are accustomed to, when flying in daylight with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS).
Recognizing the aviator’s need for advanced nighttime cueing and display capabilities, Elbit Systems of America, the original developer and manufacturer of JHMCS, has developed the ‘Digital Eye Piece’ (DEP), a lightweight night vision applique designed specifically for the JHMCS. DEP is showcased this week at the 32nd Annual Air Force Association Air Warfare and Technology Exposition. As a lightweight night vision cueing and display solution for the JHMCS, DEP brings daytime cueing and display capabilities into night operations without the need for costly upgrades, modifications or changes to the aircraft or software.
“Our plug-and-play capability fits seamlessly into currently fielded night vision devices, driving costs down and bringing crucial JHMCS day capabilities into nighttime operations, as it should be” said Raanan Horowitz, president and chief executive officer, Elbit Systems of America.
DEP matches existing JHMCS as well as the next generation Digital JHMCS. An upgraded system that provides aviators with immediate and accurate recognition of friendly units, threats, and unknown targets, giving the aircrew a comprehensive view of the entire battle-space. Already in full production, DJHMCS is a backwards compatible system that provides the same performance and increases growth capabilities.
