Helmet-mounted displays

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Oct 2011, 21:03

Even though this 'laughterizer' site refers to the helmets as 'Gen II' they are all 'Gen I' HMDS [with one exception as noted lastly]:

http://laughterizer.weebly.com/1/post/2 ... -hmds.html

Local 'Gen 1' pics here: http://www.f-16.net/f-16_forum_viewtopic-t-8379.html

http://www.f-16.net/modules/Gallery2/ga ... alNumber=2
OR
http://www.f-16.net/gallery_item224633.html
OR
http://www.f-16.net/news_article2298.html
________________

Lots of TEXT information here:
‘Such A Capable Helmet’ Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Frank Colucci

http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/c ... 68788.html

"The Helmet Mounted Display System of the F-35 Lightning II provides the pilot with situational awareness from multiple sensors, slews weapons to head moves..."
________________________

VSI’s F-35 Lightning Gen II Helmet Mounted Display System achieves first flight
February 10, 2010

http://www.vsi-hmcs.com/index.php/news/ ... rst-flight

http://www.vsi-hmcs.com/images/Gen_2_Feb_2010.jpg

SpudmanWP · by **SpudmanWP** » 19 Oct 2011, 21:30

Technical Info on the Gen2 helmet.

http://vsi-hmcs.com/files/VSI%20NatDefe ... ug2011.pdf

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Oct 2011, 22:19

Publication: Airman | Author: Croxon, J Paul | Date published: January 1, 2010

http://periodicals.faqs.org/201001/2013048741.html

"...I started flying in an F-4 Phantom," said Mr. Beesley. "In the F-4, a large part of my effort was spent flying it. If your attention wasn't on flight, bad things happened. The F-35 is developed so the pilot can spend more time making tactical decisions. He's not given data but rather answers to make better decisions...." More at the ymp!

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Oct 2011, 22:51

At last some better pics of the HMDS Gen II Helmet for the F-35: [note spelin]

F-35 Lightening II Pilots Get a Futuristic Carbon Fiber Helmet by Ali Kleiman | December 7, 2010

http://www.carbonfibergear.com/f-35-lig ... er-helmet/

http://www.carbonfibergear.com/wp-conte ... helmet.jpg
&
http://www.carbonfibergear.com/wp-conte ... helmet.jpg
&
http://www.carbonfibergear.com/wp-conte ... helmet.jpg

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Oct 2011, 23:53

On previous page there are a series of 'green' BAE new helmets for night vision for F-35, perhaps this video shows the 'grey' helmets we see in use on USS WASP referred to by 'fang'? Divining stuff from a few photos can be difficult - no? :-)

All new helmets seem to be referred to in text URL below and I'm not familiar with the JHMCS helmet. Perhaps others can chime in here. Thanks.

Unfortunately the computer in use here does not have sound capability at moment, so I'm hoping the video below is relevant, along with the text on this page - so many helmets - not enough time.... The 'Q-sight'? is seen along with other Gentex stuff.

[Another text version clarifies what .WMV video showing: 13 Jan 2011
"More Video: Next-Gen Helmet-Mounted Cuing System Continuing our flood of videos this week at Defense Tech is this clip of the Scorpion helmet mounted cuing system that’s been developed by Gentech as a replacement for the 12 year-old Joint Helmet Mounted Cuing System (JHMCS).

http://defensetech.org/2011/01/13/more- ... ng-system/

The new system was developed about three years ago and features customized reticle displays that correspond to the cockpit displays of whichever type of jet the pilot is flying."]

Perhaps Wikipedia can clarify what is what: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmet_mounted_display

The Electronic Helmet Evolves with Gentex Scorpion

http://www.usafals.net/JHMCS/The%20Elec ... orpion.htm

Wideo: (15 Mbs .WMV)
http://www.usafals.net/JHMCS/The%20Elec ... %20Up!.wmv

http://www.usafals.net/JHMCS/carla%20&% ... helmet.bmp

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 20 Oct 2011, 00:25

Old [2006] HMD and HMDS details here:

Helmet Mounted Displays: Adding Night Vision Friday, September 1, 2006 by John Croft

http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/f ... _1105.html

"Next-generation pilot head gear, in the form of helmet mounted displays, will paint a wealth of information, including night vision imaging, onto a pilot's visor, yielding tactical advantage...."

...HMDS Update

The F-35 HMDS is slated to be flying on Block 3 aircraft, beginning in 2009, says Lockheed's Branyan. Made by VSI, the helmet displays the same symbology as the current Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, plus imagery from a single forward-looking night vision sensor at the top of the helmet and six 3-to-5-micron infrared sensors surrounding the aircraft, as part of the Northrop Grumman-built distributed aperture system, or DAS. (DAS was originally placed on the aircraft to detect plumes from surface-to-air missiles.) Since the helmet will provide head position, Lockheed can derive and present the appropriate view from the sensor array to the pilot....

...The night vision images are relayed to the visor via optics for a 40-degree horizontal by 30-degree vertical bi-ocular view (binocular vision from a single source). Images sent from the DAS to the helmet will be generated by the aircraft's avionics systems, based on input from VSI's electromagnetic head tracking system.

Branyan says Lockheed has evaluated several sources for the night vision sensor but has not yet selected a unit. The first prototype will have a customized 16-mm image intensifier tube built by ITT interfaced with a charge-coupled device (CCD), says Louis Taddeo, VSI marketing director. Visual information on the CCD will then be transferred to the visor via the optical tube above each eye, on the outside of the helmet.

Though the first JSF will fly Oct. 31, 2006, according to Branyan, the full HMDS suite will not begin flying on the aircraft until the third quarter of 2008. One major change at the moment involves switching out the HMDS visor. The original design called for a bifurcated visor (picture the armor on a knight's face), which simplified the optics path and generated a large FOV. Unfortunately, it also had the potential to distort the outside world due to the peak in the middle of the visor, a finding that emerged in pilot demonstrations. "We were aiming to give the widest field of view possible, but found out that people got distracted by the centerline," says Taddeo, adding that the new design should be flying by next summer. Another potential issue is that the positioning of the night vision camera on the helmet could lead to the outside scene being partially blocked by the canopy bow, causing pilots to have to squat down in their seats to get a good view. This potential blockage of the outside scene by an aircraft structure is relevant to any design where the sensors are located other than in front of the eyes....

...The HMDS is designed to show HUD information when the pilot is looking within about 30 degrees of the boresight, outside of which the attitude indicator is removed. "If we did have issues with development--and I don't see any now--there are options to put a HUD in front of the pilot that shows typical flight data for legacy aircraft," Branyan says....

...Helmet Evolution
The HMD concept caught a second wind around 1990, as the military wanted to find a way for a pilot to launch an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile by looking at the enemy aircraft through the helmet rather than the HUD. Pilots would not have to point the nose of the aircraft at their target to designate it, but could simply look at it, day or night. By default that also meant the system would have to support night vision. VSI ultimately won the contract for what became known as the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, now in use on F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s, though the requirement for night vision was later deferred...."

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 20 Oct 2011, 00:37

More helmets than youse can stick a poke at:

Put Some Color in Your Face Helmet-Mounted Displays Go Beyond Monochrome
By DAVE MAJUMDAR Published: 21 March 2011

"...It has taken a long time to integrate color into HMDs because although it is comparatively simple to display the color green in a brightly lit airborne environment, red is much more difficult to display and blue even tougher than that, said Bob Foote, VSI's chief technical officer. The problem was overcome by a combination of improved optical lenses and new digital liquid crystal display technology, which allows images to be far brighter.

Both Gentex and VSI use digital LCD technology, which also allows displays to be far smaller while adding color and simplifying software processing. However, every aspect of HMD technology, including the optical systems, has been improved since the debut of the JHMCS and similar displays But the two companies take different approaches.

Gentex's Scorpion presents the information on a "paddle display," which is mounted on a standard pilot's helmet and puts a roughly inch-square transparent display in front of the wearer's right eye....

...Soon, VSI and Gentex will compete to supply an alternative helmet for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, whose current helmet - under development by VSI - is having problems with jittery images and lag time. VSI has a road map to upgrade and fix the helmet, but JSF program officials want another option.

Gentex will be offering a display with its color technology. VSI, however, declined to offer specifics on any alternative helmet it might offer.

Britain's BAE Systems also is reportedly in the hunt to supply an alternative helmet for the F-35. Calls to the company were unreturned."

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 20 Oct 2011, 21:14

Lots of stuff that is good and then this:

F-35A Testing Moves Into High Speeds By DAVE MAJUMDAR : 13 June 2011

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=6792072

"Jittery Display
The one concern that Griffiths voiced was about the helmet-mounted display, which is still showing jittery images.

But he said new software loaded June 7 onto one of the Edwards jets is intended to help fix the problem. If all goes as planned, the only hardware change that will be required will be to fix the night-vision system, which still does not offer the resolution that is needed...."

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 24 Oct 2011, 13:05

fang mentioned on page 3 of this thread about F-35B helmets on WASP: "I noticed the pilots of BF-02 and BF-04 onboard USS Wasp got white helmets. Are they different from the blacks?"

http://www.sldinfo.com/the-f-35b-tests-continue/

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 28 Oct 2011, 03:33

For 'fang' question page 3 of this thread. Original Pic Hi Rez: (F-35B near USS Wasp) ZOOM of HMDS II below:
http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/ ... 99-001.jpg

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 31 Oct 2011, 08:15

Cedarburg native testing military's latest fighter jet

http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/ced ... 97828.html

"U.S. Marine test pilot Fred Schenk gives a thumbs-up Oct. 3 after landing the F-35B successfully for the first time at sea, on the deck of the USS Wasp."

http://media.jsonline.com/images/261921 ... _pilot.jpg

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 01 Nov 2011, 06:32

I don't recall this recent 'oldie' about the HMDS testing and advantages. And yes there is still a 'night vision' problem but this is OLD remember? The interview has insights into HMDS and we see it still in use today. I guess we won't be able to see it at night.

Test Flying the F-35: “A Building Block Approach” The F-35 Pilot: An Interview with Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly at Pax River. SLD went to Pax River in April 2010 to interview several members of the Pax River test team. [Posted 28 May 2010]

http://www.sldinfo.com/fly-testing-the- ... -approach/

"...SLD: And you don’t need night vision goggles?

Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly: You don’t need night vision goggles; it’s all built into the helmet. So, depending on the conditions — the light levels, environmental factors, and cultural lighting — you may choose to use the night camera or your DAS system, depending on what gives you the best situational awareness.

SLD: And presumably, because if the helmet is spherical, as opposed to using night vision goggles, you have a much better peripheral vision?

Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly: Yes. The night vision goggle — the Legacy Night Vision Goggle is just a sensor. It doesn’t provide you with an integrated picture. The F-35 night camera as it’s projected in the helmet is really more like using your own vision, rather than looking through a narrow sensor, or soda straw, so to speak....

...Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly: With the F35, if my wingmen finds a target on the ground, he can data-link that information to me and now my helmet will tell me where to look on the ground to find that target and I know we are looking at the same target EXACTLY....

...SLD: So you have confidence you’re looking at the same thing?

Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly: Absolutely. Between you, your wingmen, and the ground....

...Test Pilot “Squirt” Kelly: With this aircraft, I could take off, and after employing weapons on my primary target, my wingmen or someone on the ground can say okay, I’ve got another threat over here, can you provide me some information. Instantly, you can become a flying ISR platform, and adjust to provide the context for that ground commander. So even after employing your weapons, which was your initial goal, you can continue maximizing your capabilities."

Much Much More Much at the URL of course.

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 08 Nov 2011, 08:58

Time for another screenshot from the video "F-35B Ship Suitability Testing" online:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki86x1WK ... r_embedded

HMDS in use F-35B WASP testing Oct 2011.

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 11 Nov 2011, 12:09

DISPLAYS: BAE selected to supply F-35 joint strike fighter helmet display Nov 1, 2011

http://www.militaryaerospace.com/index/ ... page=1.htm

"BAE Systems in London was selected by Lockheed Martin to supply a night-vision goggle helmet-mounted display (NVG HMD) for the F-35 Raptor joint strike fighter (JSF) during the next phase of its development. The NVG HMD will feature detachable night-vision goggles and incorporate the latest Q-SIGHT waveguide display. It will also include an optical head-tracking system for precise weapons delivery and carrier and land-based operations. the optical head trackers enable the HMD to achieve traditional heads-up display (HUD) accuracies and primary flight reference criteria.

BAE Systems will begin delivery of test assets in 2012 to support the F-35 development and integration laboratories, flight-test platforms, and flight simulators. The F-35 JSF seeks to revolutionize the way information is collected and presented to the pilot and the NVG HMD is planned to integrate with development work to date. The precise optics and head tracker combination enables F-35 weapons delivery, navigation, landing, and aircraft management under all flight regimes. The HMD’s modular design will allow for a path to binocular visor-projected displays, alternate image sources, and night-vision cameras, depending on customer requirements and program needs."

http://www.militaryaerospace.com/etc/me ... .230.1.gif

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Nov 2011, 01:19

From the SLDinfo Pilot interview slideshow about HMDS above here is anuvver too graphix:
http://www.sldinfo.com/fly-testing-the- ... -approach/