Pilkington Optronics deliver Guardian display helmet for Gripen

June 18th, 1999

Pilkington Optronics (P0) has just delivered the first of two Guardian Monocular Display Helmet systems to the Aircraft Systems Directorate of Defence Materiel Administration (Forsvarets Materielverk, FMV) in Sweden as part of a contract awarded last Autumn. The system, comprising a monocular helmet with integral colour camera, helmet display electronics unit and optical head tracker was integrated at P0 Glasgow and is now installed in a Gripen simulator. Systems are destined to fly in the Gripen aircraft early next year.

P0 has worked closely with Guardian team member Cumulus, one of South Africa's Denel divisions, in optimising the system for the Gripen aircraft. Non functioning models have already been flown in the aircraft to ensure cockpit compatibility under all manoeuvre and 'g' conditions.

The optical head tracker installation has been adjusted to ensure the system tracks over the large volume available in the Gripen cockpit. The simulator trials plus flight trials next year will give further opportunities for the Guardian team to work with FMV and Gripen cockpit engineers to enhance the system to provide Gripen, and its pilots. with the very best off-boresight weapon aiming capability during these trials.

Bob McFarlane, P0's Director of Air Systems said, "This is an important contract for the Guardian team and we look forward to working closely with FMV to ensure that their requirements are met and the full potential of Guardian is realised in this application,"

P0 and Cumulus have been working together for 5 years and have developed a family of helmet systems for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The Guardian range of systems comprises monocular and binocular systems.

Pilkington Optronics is an independent UK registered company, managed within the Thomson-CSF OPTROSYS group.

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