Q-Sight helmet-mounted display for Lynx helicopters delivered to Royal navy by BAE Systems
Nov. 20, 2010
Posted by John McHale ROCHESTER, England, 20 Nov. 2010. BAE Systems delivered the first order of a new helmet-mounted optical sighting system to the Royal navy, addressing a mission-critical need for increased air door gunner situational awareness on helicopters. BAE Systems as prime contractor for the Lynx PT, delivered 12 Q-Sight Gunner Remote Sighting Systems (GRSS) that are qualified for use on the Lynx Mk8 helicopter."We are pleased to announce the first delivery of our Gunner Remote Sighting Systems, the result of partnering closely with BAE Systems. The equipment will now enter a period of testing and operational evaluation with the Royal navy," says Lt. Cdr. Ant Laycock, Royal navy Lynx capability manager. "This advanced mission capability will greatly enhance accuracy and target identification, whilst being affordable and compatible with the current helmet set-up and night vision goggles."Using holographic technology, BAE Systems' lightweight Q-Sight helmet-mounted display -- a small device that clips onto the helmet -- provides day-or-night "head-up, eyes-out" capability by projecting flight and mission information in front of the user's eyes -- a capability that previously involved installing bulky and complex projectors and lenses in cockpits or ground vehicles. The Royal navy will use the Q-Sight GRSS variation in conjunction with an existing thermal weapon sight (TWS) on its Lynx Mk8 helicopters to enhance targeting accuracy for door gunners. The Q-Sight display will project the image from a machine gun-mounted TWS onto the gunner's helmet-mounted display, allowing the gunner greater range of movement without losing sight of the image. Compatible with other helmet display drivers and symbol generators, the Q-Sight display's modular design is easily retrofitted or upgraded and enables the addition of new capabilities at low cost. The system's increased visibility and lightweight design enhances ergonomics, by minimizing eye and neck strain, common problems for aviators managing the demands of longer missions and increasingly complex rules of engagement. BAE Systems' revolutionary Q-Sight optical technology provides a high compatibility and interoperability benefit with night vision goggles enabling seamless transition between day and night operations. BAE Systems began developing Q-Sight technology in 2007 and has applied the capability to commercial and military platforms to increase situational awareness, reduce fatigue, and cut the need for bulky systems in the cockpit. The company delivered the initial Q-Sight systems to the Royal navy for demonstration and training in March 2010.
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