DEP turns night into day

In collaboration with a number of European F-16 operators, Elbit Systems (Hall 1 Stand A100) has recently conducted a series of night demonstrations of its Digital Eye Piece (DEP) add-on system for the JHMCS (joint helmet-mounted cueing system) family. Able to be fitted as a plug-and-play extension for the JHMCS, Digital JHMCS and JHMCS-II displays, the DEP upgrades the night capability of the JHMCS so that the high level of daytime targeting and sensor cueing is extended into the nighttime.

Requiring no changes in aircraft installation or software, DEP turns a standard helmet-mounted display into a night vision “smart” helmet. Results of the trials have shown much promise, with pilots reporting improved safety and effectiveness. The ability to provide target identification at night significantly enhances the ability to perform nighttime close air support, and overall situational awareness is greatly increased.

Earlier this month RCEVS (Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems), a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and Elbit Systems of America, celebrated its 20th anniversary. Formed to develop advanced helmet-mounted displays for fast-jet aircraft, the joint venture has supplied thousands of JHMCS kits for use with F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s in more than 20 countries.

Success with JHMCS led to RCEVS being selected to provide the HMD (helmet-mounted display) for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In the F-35 application the HMD is used to present flight-critical data and sensor imagery throughout the mission, allowing the F-35 to be the first tactical aircraft to dispense with a head-up display.