Helmet system order for Boeing

has received a $69m contract for 321 additional Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), equipment which enhances pilot situational awareness and provides control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors.

Under the contract, Boeing will equip US Air Force (USAF) and Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons, US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and eight international customers with the system and associated components. The contract is the company's fourth JHMCS full-rate production order.

The system, first used operationally in Operation Iraqi Freedom, gives flight crew members the ability to rapidly acquire and designate a target simply by looking at it. By placing an aiming cross, projected on the helmet visor, over the desired target and pressing a button, pilots can quickly and easily aim weapons and sensors to designate and attack airborne or ground targets. JHMCS also displays tactical information, aircraft altitude, airspeed, gravitational pull and angle of attack on the visor to increase the crew member's situational awareness.

Since 2000, Boeing has contracted for more than 2,500 systems. The company is the prime contractor and integrator for JHMCS. California-based Vision System International is the major subcontractor.