-Background: Numerous friendly and threat aircraft systems currently employ HMD systems capable of cueing aircraft radar, weapons or sensors wherever the pilot is looking. Current F-22 fighters do not possess this capability. Numerous simulations have demonstrated that incorporating an HMD provides a distinct first-look/first-shot/first-kill advantage in the visual maneuvering arena as well as increased situational awareness during beyond-visual-range (BVR) intercepts. This state of the art system provides the capability to cue and verify cueing of off-boresight sensors and weapons, including radar, navigation system, current and next generation short range missiles (SRM). The helmet provides radar weapon symbology and visual cues of target and friendly aircraft locations. The HMD was originally conceived as a weapons cueing system, but has evolved into a situational awareness enhancement even when it is not cueing weapons. The HMD is quickly able to display urgent threat information to the pilot while "eyes-out" of the cockpit, warning of dangers and providing critical information to allow the pilot to safely and properly maneuver the aircraft away from terrain or inbound threat missiles. F-22s performing Homeland Defense missions at Alert sites across the country are tasked with locating and identifying threats including small aircraft and cruise missiles. Using an HMD to complete the task results in quicker and more effective mission accomplishment.
- Impact If Not Funded: High potential for mission failure due to pilot's delayed processing of the 3-dimentional battlespace, loss of life and aircraft due to undetected inbound threat missiles, increased risk versus current and future threat weapon systems.
- Source of Need: JHMCS ORD CAF-USN 308-93-II-A Dec 1996; ARC 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 WEPTAC Critical Requirement