Sweden orders new pilot helmets

LINKOPING, Sweden, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration has given Saab an order for an advanced helmet mounted display system for use by Air Force Gripen pilots.

The system, called Targo, will be supplied by the Brazil's AEL Sistemas, a supplier for the Gripen NG aircraft in Brazil and a partner in the technology transfer program, Saab said.

AEL Systemas is a subsidiary of Israel's Elbit Systems.

The order is worth about $13.2 million. Deliveries will occur between 2022 and 2026.

"By aiming the head rather than the entire aircraft at the target, I can rapidly lock sensors and missiles on to the target and thus use the full performance of the missile," said Hans Einerth, Wing Commander, Flying at Saab. "This makes it possible to shoot the missile instantaneously after target detection and identification, with eyes on target constantly.

"The system can also designate targets for the pilot leading to a faster assessment of the tactical situation."

HMD systems are already operational with the current Swedish Air Force Gripen fleet, and the new Targo HMD system for Gripen E aircraft adds night cueing and display capabilities.

Saab said pilots equipped with Targo will be able to better locate, track, identify and engage air and ground targets. Its helmet-mounted visor displays flight information such as altitude and air speed, as well as cueing targets and supplying supporting tracking data to the pilot.