BAE unveils new combat helmet systems

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- London-based BAE Systems said Tuesday it has developed a new Q-Sight series of helmets for combat pilots.

The company said in a statement it had "developed new helmet-mounted display technology that addresses a critical war fighter need for enhanced situational awareness."

BAE Systems said it put on display "its Q-Sight family of helmet displays and tracking products ... at the Association of the U.S. Army's Annual Symposium and Exhibition in Washington." The exhibition ended Wednesday.

"The system features a lightweight, ergonomic design and increased visibility, flexibility, and reliability to maximize pilot safety and comfort. Weighing less than 4 ounces, the miniature display clips to any helmet, allowing the pilot 'plug-and-play' ease of use," the company said.

“The Q-sight family provides pilots with ‘heads-up, eyes-out’ capability,” said Clark Freise, vice president of defense avionics for BAE Systems. “It delivers mission-critical situational awareness, exactly where and when it’s needed.”

"Q-Sight technology features brighter displays, a larger 'exit pupil' for pilot viewing, and seamless transitions between day and night to increase pilot situational awareness and mission capability," Raytheon said.

"The increased visibility and lightweight design minimize eye and neck strain, common problems for pilots managing the demands of longer missions and increasingly complex rules of engagement. Additionally, the decreased size and weight of the display allows the pilot complete freedom of movement within the cockpit," the company said.

"The system’s modular design allows for the low-cost addition of new mission-specific capabilities as required. It also makes Q-Sight easily retrofittable and/or upgradeable, as well as compatible with other helmet display technologies. Q-Sight technology can be configured with a number of options, depending on user needs," the company said.