“The
Archer Z-150 is based on our combat-proven system that is already used
by a number of air forces around the world,” says Ben Ash, Executive
Business Development Manager of CZO. “It is a cost-effective solution
because it can be configured to fit onto most standard helmets worn by
pilots and aircrew.”
South Africa pioneered the research and development of Helmet Mounted
Display Systems (HMDS) in the 1970s and the SA Air Force was the first
to fly the helmet mounted sights operationally. On HMDS systems, all flight
and mission data can be projected on the helmet mounted display. The system
follows the head movements of the pilot providing him with the ability
to react and make mission-critical decisions within a fraction of a second.
In addition information on the aircraft’s performance – such
as airspeed and altitude – is also displayed, enabling the pilot
to keep his head up and eliminating the need to look around in the cockpit.
CZO has been leading the world in new product development and innovations
in this field over the past three decades. CZO is part of Carl Zeiss Optronics,
the Security and Defence division of the Carl Zeiss Group, global leaders
in the manufacturing of optronics, optical and precision engineering products
for military and civilian applications.
2
Ash says the LIMA 2011 exhibition is an important platform for CZO to
demonstrate the quality of its products to existing and potential clients
in the Asia Pacific region.
Helmet-Mounted Display Systems are increasingly being used in non-military
environments, says Frans Vermaak, responsible for the marketing and sales
of airborne systems at CZO. This includes search-and-rescue operations,
coastal patrols, fire fighting and the monitoring of high voltage electricity
networks.
Archer Z-150 consists of two subsystems - a helmet mounted display (HMD)
and optical head tracking system (OHTS) configured to fit onto standard
aircrew helmets. The entire system only adds approximately 600 gram to
the weight of the helmet. The OHTS used in Archer Z-150 have been designed
and manufactured at CZO’s facilities in South Africa.
Archer Z-150 provides high accuracy, low latency in-flight tracking of
helmet orientation and position. This is essential for slaving weapon
systems and sensors while displaying stabilised symbols and images on
the HMD. Information is relayed to the display within a few milliseconds
and inflight accuracies of a few milliradians are achieved.
The Archer Z-150 uses holographic optical waveguide display technology
offering exceptional display performance and seamless night vision compatibility.
Vermaak says that cockpit mapping and harmonisation of the HMDS is a one-off
exercise and no calibration is required. Depending on the requirements
of the client, between one and four miniature sensors are installed in
the cockpit together with a processor unit that is integrated with the
aircraft’s computer.
Installation and calibration of the HMDS can be completed within two hours.
The unique data is stored on the HMDS and units can be replaced on the
flight-line without the requirement to re-harmonise the HMDS.
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