Rockwell Collins delivered the first Gen III F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) today. Rockwell Collins, through its joint ve...
Rockwell Collins delivered the first Gen III F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) today.
Rockwell Collins, through its joint venture, Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems LLC, is providing the most advanced technology for warfighters with the F-35 HMDS, which provides pilots with unprecedented levels of situational awareness and allows them to “look through” the airframe.
The Gen III helmet, which includes an improved night vision camera, improved liquid-crystal displays, automated alignment and software improvements is to be introduced to the fleet in low rate initial production Lot 7 in 2016.
Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems LLC also developed the Gen 2 helmet that F-35 pilots currently use, which met the needs for the U.S. Marine Corps and will allow the service to declare Initial Operational Capability.
All the information that pilots need to complete their missions – through all weather, day or night – is projected on the helmet’s visor. Additionally, the F-35’s Distributed Aperture System (DAS), made by Northrop Grumman, streams real-time imagery from six infrared cameras mounted around the aircraft to the helmet, allowing pilots to “look through” the airframe.
Overall, Rockwell Collins has built and fit more than 200 helmets for F-35 pilots who are being trained for the program.
