An important capability has been developed for the AH-64 that provides increased mission effectiveness and improved flight safety. First introduced for the Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting Subsystem (IHADSS) on the Agusta A-129, the Symbology Display Unit (SDU) provides IHADSS symbology to the aviator through the Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS) (Night Vision Goggles). Specifically designed for compatibility with the AH-64 and the Legacy IHADSS display and head tracking system, the SDU provides seamless integration of this critical capability into the cockpit. The SDU has been adapted to the IHADSS on the AH-64 and is currently in early fielding within both the US and UK fleets. Although the use of ANVIS on the AH-64 is not a new concept, the ability to display IHADSS symbology integrated with the head tracker is. With the display of IHADSS symbology within the ANVIS field of view, additional capabilities and benefits are realized, including sighting and weapons control, mission performance during poor FLIR conditions, increased target recognition, and improved safety realized by the availability of heads-up pilotage information.
Application of technology for head-slaved pointing of imaging and weapons systems has been employed in military cockpits for many years. As the sophistication of the aircraft systems increases and the dynamics of the operational needs of head-slaved systems become more complex, a technology that meets this challenging need is required. A technology that appears to answer this need is magnetic head tracking. However, even magnetic technology with its low latency, high dynamic performance, and solid-state reliability has fundamental issues that complicate its introduction into the challenging environment of the aircraft cockpit. This paper addresses the barriers commonly associated with the technology and discusses the results of a new-generation magnetic-based head tracker that breaks down and removes these barriers.
Advances in electronics, specifically in the area of digital video processing, have
opened the door to many new solutions to old problems. Visually coupled systems
using Helmet Mounted Displays have been used for years as an aid to pilot vision.
These functions are generally accomplished using a helmet display, head tracker
and a mechanically gimbaled sensing system. Although this system has proven to
be one effective solution in achieving a wide field of regard with a smaller displayed
field of view, it has its limitations and drawbacks. A solid state digital gimbaled
system has been developed and flight tested as part of a joint study conducted
by McDonnell Douglas and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This
paper will discuss advantages and limitations of digital gimbal systems.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.