The US Army is to equip its aviation combined arms tactical trainer (AVCATT) systems with upgraded Rockwell Collins’ SimEye helmet mounted display (HMD).
Under a contract awarded by the US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), 332 HMDs will be upgraded by the end of October 2019.
The upgrades are expected to improve HMD optical performance, increase availability and provide substantial lifecycle cost savings due to lower maintenance requirements, Rockwell stated.
Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions vice-president and general manager Nick Gibbs said: “We worked very closely with the PEO STRI to fine tune the HMD as technology continues to evolve.
This next-generation solution will provide the army with the highest fidelity simulation available and at a lower cost to maintain.”
The SimEye HMD will receive display and optical improvements to visual symbology.
The HMD upgrade, including a software update, will ensure the army’s continued success in using the AVCATT to train their helicopter crews effectively, according to the company.
According to Rockwell, SimEye’s features include high brightness, SXGA 1,280×1,024 resolution, monochrome green displays and projection onto see-through optics among others.
The SimEye has been designed to simulate head-up display functions for aircraft trainers on fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It can also provide night vision simulation and flight-data dissemination to unmanned aerial vehicle pilots.
