BAE displays Q-sight combat pilot helmet

FARNBOROUGH, England, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- British company BAE Systems said last week it had produced a new helmet-mounted display technology for combat pilots.

The new helmet system "addresses a critical need for enhanced situational awareness," the company said in a statement. "Known as Q-sight, the system makes its Middle East debut at the Dubai Air Show," it said.

"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," BAE Systems 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," the company 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," it 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," BAE Systems said.