SAN JOSE, California,
November 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Lockheed Martin Aerospace has awarded Vision Systems
International (VSI) two additional phases in the development of the
helmet mounted display system (HMDS) on the F-35. The contract will
enable VSI to enhance the F-35 HMDS currently in production for the
5th generation Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
"This award reaffirms the confidence that Lockheed Martin has in
VSI to advance the fifth generation HMDS capabilities that are
integral to the success of the F-35 program," said Drew Brugal, president of VSI.
The VSI team began working to mitigate display jitter affecting
the display symbology, enhance the helmet system's night-vision
performance capabilities, and incorporate the latest digital
imaging sensor capabilities into the HMDS to improve night vision
performance in March of 2011. Additionally, VSI has modified the
current magnetic receiver unit (MRU) contained in the pilot's HMDS
to detect both seat and aircraft vibration frequencies and filter
them out in both the hardware and software contained in the HMDS
display processor. "We have already tested this new MRU
capability and proven that it works," said Dan Nash, Vice President of F-35 Programs at
VSI.
To enhance night-vision performance capabilities, VSI is
incorporating new digital night-vision sensors in both the fixed
camera mounted in the cockpit and the helmet camera with the
pilot's helmet mounted display (HMD). The resulting images will be
sharper and more viewable at extremely low light levels.
"We have been receiving very positive feedback from both the
System Development and Demonstration (SSD) and Low Rate Initial
Production (LRIP) pilots using the HMD system, and from those who
participated in the successful catapult testing in early August and
the shipboard Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) flight
tests on the Wasp over a three-week period in October," Brugal
said. Deliveries of the enhanced HMDS are scheduled to begin in the
third quarter of 2013.
About VSI
Founded in 1996, VSI is a joint venture between Elbit Systems of
America, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT)
and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL). VSI has produced more than
4,500 joint helmet mounted cueing systems (JHMCS) for the F-15,
F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. Additionally, VSI is under contract to
deliver Night Vision Cueing and Display Systems (NVCD) to the US
Air Force and Navy, and the Fifth Generation HMDS for the F-35
Joint Strike Fighter. VSI also produces the Targo® HMDs for
multiple aviation platforms including fighters, light attack,
military airlift and trainers.