VSI demonstrates 9G-stable helmet mounted display

Ministry of Defence Boscombe Down, United Kingdom (October 09, 2007) - Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI) announced that its F-35 Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) was successfully demonstrated in a series of flights performed by the Royal Air Force Centre for Aviation Medicine (RAF CAM).

Photo courtesy of RAF CAM;
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The test pilots employed the F-35 HMD while flying two specially modified BAE Hawk T Mk1 aircraft. Pilots from the RAF, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have taken the helmet from minus 2 to plus 9 Gs in flights designed to simulate air combat. Their objective was to verify comfort, fit and stability under high G conditions. The pilots' assessments were that the HMD shows significant promise given its comfortable fit and the solid, stable symbology provided throughout the flight envelope.

RAF CAM offered to evaluate the VSI HMD on the Hawk platform, which is capable of up to 9.5 Gs.

"The generous nature of the RAF CAM invitation allows us the opportunity to assess the high G performance of the F-35 HMD and get valuable pilot feedback. We will continue to closely monitor comfort, fit and stability in future flights," said VSI President Drew Brugal.

Additional flights with the VSI HMD are planned in September and October.

Formed in 1996, VSI is a joint venture between EFW Inc., an Elbit Systems of America company and a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT), and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL). VSI was established to develop, manufacture and support fixed-wing HMDs and is the leading supplier of fixed-wing HMDs worldwide. VSI is developing the advanced HMD for the F-35 in addition to the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) that is in full rate production. VSI is also developing the QuadEyeTM Night Vision Cueing & Display (NVCD) system to pair with JHMCS for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, and is producing the Display and Sight Helmet (DASH) Generation IV HMD under multiple contracts.

Located at MoD Boscombe Down, the Royal Air Force Centre for Aviation Medicine performs in-flight assessment of aircrew equipment and life support systems in addition to clinical support to the Royal Air Force.

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