Assessment of a visually coupled system (VCS) using a binocular helmet-mounted display (BHMD) and a steerable FLIR

Peter J. Longman; Thomas C. How; Craig Hudson; Geoffrey J. N. Clarkson

doi:10.1117/12.438002

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22 August 2001 Assessment of a visually coupled system (VCS) using a binocular helmet-mounted display (BHMD) and a steerable FLIR

Peter J. Longman, Thomas C. How, Craig Hudson, Geoffrey J. N. Clarkson

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Proceedings Volume 4361, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays VI; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.438002
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing, Simulation, and Controls, 2001, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The Defence Evaluation Research Agency carried out an airborne demonstration and evaluation of a fast-jet Visually Coupled System (VCS) installed in ZD902, the Tornado Integrated Avionics Research Aircraft for the UK MOD. The installed VCS used a Head Steered Forward Looking Infra-Red (HSFLIR) sensor and a Head Tracking system to provide the pilot with an image of the outside world projected onto a Binocular Helmet Mounted Display. In addition to the sensor image, information such as aircraft altitude, attitude, and airspeed were also presented to the pilot through the HMD to eliminate the need to look inside the cockpit for critical flight data. The aim of the VIVIAN trial was to demonstrate by day and night the benefits of a fast-jet integrated HSFLIR and HMD as an aid to low level flight, navigation, target acquisition, take-off and landing. The outcome of this flight test program was very encouraging and, although testing has identified that improvements are necessary, in particular to HSFLIR image quality, Auto Gain Control performance, helmet fit and symbology design, test aircrew endorse the acceptability of a VCS.

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Peter J. Longman, Thomas C. How, Craig Hudson, and Geoffrey J. N. Clarkson "Assessment of a visually coupled system (VCS) using a binocular helmet-mounted display (BHMD) and a steerable FLIR", Proc. SPIE 4361, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays VI, (22 August 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.438002

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