LiteWave Fits "Any Cockpit in the World" Says BAE Electronics Systems Director

BAE Systems unveiled a lightweight, compact HUD for use in commercial or military aircraft, branded the LiteWave.

The new system is comprised of a 'laptop sized' kit mounted above the pilots' station, allowing a forward projection of critical information like direction, altitude and speed. The suite is said to be 70% smaller and lighter than a traditional HUD installation, which should be fairly accurate given the company's experience in providing HUDs to the Eurofighter, F-16, and F-22. LiteWave is small enough to be fitted in aircraft with "even the most limited cockpit space" according to BAE developers. Its compact footprint means it's 80% faster to install and service than older systems, too, allowing for much less downtime for the same safety benefits enjoyed by the big boys.

BAE Systems cites their "revolutionary, patented waveguide technology", dubbed 'LiteWave', for the quick and generous adjustment built into the system. The HUD  can be aligned with any individual flying position, providing excellent situational awareness, no matter the time of day or weather.

“LiteWave can be fitted into virtually any cockpit in the world”, said Lee Tomlinson, director of HUD products at BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems division. “Our engineers have created a digital display that is smaller, lighter and uses less power than any other Head-Up Display. It has the potential to revolutionize the market and make HUD technology far more accessible.”

Notably, the LiteWave system is manufactured at BAE's Electronic Systems site in Rochester, UK. That makes it a sister suite to more than 6 decades of head-up displays, outfitted on hundreds of NATO aircraft.

FMI: www.baesystems.com