L-3 Link Simulation & Training Makes International Sale Of Advanced Helmet Mounted Display

The first international sale of L-3 Link's Advanced Helmet Mounted Display has been made to Raytheon Australia in support of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) Hornet Aircrew Training System (HACTS).

The award announced late last week calls for L-3 Link to provide Advanced Helmet Mounted Displays (AHMD) to support pilot training on the RAAF's three F/A-18 Tactical Readiness Trainers (TRT). L-3 Link's AHMD will replace current fixed field-of-view flat panel displays, enabling pilots to view out-the-window imagery and systems symbology over a 360-degree field-of-regard. The AHMDs will be delivered to two RAAF installations during the third quarter of 2011.

"The Royal Australian Air Force's low-cost F/A-18 Tactical Readiness Trainers will receive a significant increase in training capability when the Advanced Helmet Mounted Displays are fielded," said Bob Birmingham, president of L-3 Link. "This increased training fidelity will completely immerse aircrews within a realistic virtual environment, while maintaining the F/A-18 Tactical Readiness Trainers' small footprint."

In addition to providing a 360-degree field-of-regard, the L-3 Link AHMD projects an instantaneous field-of-view that spans 100 degrees horizontally by 50 degrees vertically. Due to the AHMD's greater than 50 percent see-through capability, RAAF F/A-18 pilots will be able to clearly view the TRT's simulated controls and avionics. The TRTs, whether networked to the RAAF's high-fidelity F/A-18 Tactical Operational Flight Trainers or used to provide individual training, provide a low-cost multiplier that increases training throughput and maximizes flight training effectiveness.

FMI: www.link.com