Hats off to BAE helmet

A new helmet, designed and manufactured by BAE Systems, has been tested on Eurofighter Typhoon in preparation for delivery to front-line pilots.

The Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA) was fully tracked into the Typhoon's computer systems. This allows the pilot to direct sensors and weapons to where he needs them by simply turning his head — be it to cue a missile, lock on a sensor to a threat over his shoulder or indicate a point on the ground to his wingman.

Not only will it provide head protection for the pilot but it will act as a respirator for protection in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare environments.

It will also afford pilots 'virtual heads-up display' symbology and video imagery from the aircraft sensors and from a helmet-mounted, image-intensified night-vision system. An array of raised LEDs on the helmet will emit infrared signals to enable the 'intelligent' aircraft cockpit to track the position of the pilot and determine which symbology should be displayed.