U.K. orders helmet-mounted displays
BAE’s The Q-Sight display is a key element of the Gunner’s Remote Sighting System (GRSS), a system that will allow the image from a machine-gun-mounted thermal weapon sight to be displayed remotely on a see-through display mounted on the weapon operator’s helmet
The U.K. Ministry of Defense (MoD) has placed the first order for a new generation of helmet-mounted displays developed by BAE Systems. The Royal Navy will purchase 12 remote sighting systems incorporating BAE Systems’ Q-Sight display, for its Lynx Mk8 helicopters.
“Q-Sight makes aviators more effective in many situations, including degraded visual environments,” said Jim Garceau, vice-president of defense avionics for BAE Systems. “Its lightweight design increases pilot comfort and its wide field of view enables pilots to keep their heads up and eyes out of the cockpit while performing their missions.”
The Q-Sight display is a key element of the Gunner’s Remote Sighting System (GRSS), a system that will allow the image from a machine-gun-mounted thermal weapon sight to be displayed remotely on a see-through display mounted on the weapon operator’s helmet.
The system is compatible with standard night-vision goggles and, unlike other technologies, enables users to switch between goggles and the thermal sight to acquire, track and engage targets.
The 12 Gunner Remote Sighting Systems will be delivered to the MoD by May 2010, with initial systems delivered at the end of 2009 for training use.
Using patented technology to move light via holographic waveguides, the Q-Sight system displays a video image on a transparent screen approximately the thickness of a credit card. This technology eliminates the need for complex intermediate lenses that are heavy and create visual distortions.
BAE Systems introduced the Q-Sight in late 2007 after a decade of technology development that included partnerships with leading defense research laboratories.
