|
The German Government selected Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) to coordinate the development of a new 40 degree(s) Integrated Helmet System (IHS) for the PAH2 (Panzer Abwehr Hubschrauber 2. Gen) helicopter. ECD were tasked with integrating the IHS into the BK117/AVT (Ausrustungs-Versuchs-Trager) for flight trials. A contract was placed in 1992 with GEC-Marconi Avionics of the UK for the IHS. This IHS consists of a new light weight helmet shell equipped with an individual form fit liner, intercom and a removable Optical Module which includes two Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), two Image Intensifier Tubes (I2T), two see-through combiners and a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS) Receiver. An A- model helmet with a 35 degree(s) Field of View (FOV) was tested on the BK117-AVT, with flight symbology during Nap of the Earth flights in early 1994. A similar helmet was assessed during 1990/91 on a PAH1 in Celle. In this version, no HMS was installed in the HC. An A/B-model helmet (a B-model helmet with an A-model electronics) with 40 degree(s) FOV was received at the end of 1994 and tested in the ECD Visionics laboratory. The flight trials started on a PAH1 in Manching January 1995 and in the new moon phase of February/March 1995 in Buckeburg. The wearing comfort of the helmet and the night channel were evaluated. The new IHS has been specially designed for PAH2. In C-model configuration the IHS shall have a total helmet weight of 2.2 kg, an optimized Centre of Gravity, exit pupils with > 15 mm, IITs with > 50 Lp/mm and gain in excess of 2000, CRTS with high resolution and high brightness for daytime application. There is a requirement for the HMS to have an accuracy of 0.2 degree(s) in a large Head Motion Box. This HMS steers a nose mounted FLIR platform and has the task of aiming precise weapon systems on targets. The paper presents the results of IHS assessment in the laboratory and flight trial assessments with the IHS on a PAH1.
|
