ADA Seeks Ready-to-Deploy Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMDS) Systems for Fighter Aircraft

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is pushing forward with plans to integrate advanced Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMDS) systems into its fighter aircraft programs.

In a recently issued Expression of Interest (EOI), the agency is seeking information from vendors capable of supplying proven HMDS technology that can be readily deployed. This initiative signals ADA's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its aircraft with cutting-edge pilot assistance systems.

The EOI, issued on a No Cost No Commitment (NC/NC) basis, aims to gather crucial data to finalize technical specifications for the procurement and integration of HMDS systems. While not a guarantee of a future contract, it allows ADA to assess available solutions and make informed decisions regarding this critical technology.

Vendors responding to the EOI are required to provide detailed proposals outlining the costs for 10 HMDS systems, along with comprehensive plans for their integration into ADA's aircraft.

This includes demonstrating compliance with stringent aerospace standards such as DO-254 for hardware and DO-178B for software airworthiness qualification.

A key prerequisite is that the proposed HMDS system must have a proven track record, with prior flight experience on a fighter platform and demonstrated Line of Sight Computation capabilities.

The HMDS technology is poised to significantly improve pilot situational awareness and combat effectiveness. By providing real-time data and symbology directly within the pilot's field of view, the system enhances target acquisition, facilitates seamless night vision integration, and streamlines information management during critical missions.

ADA has outlined specific requirements for the HMDS, including:

• Robust self-test capabilities: The system must include Power On Self-Test (POST), Continuous Built-in-Test (CBIT), and Initiated Built-in-Test (IBIT) to ensure operational reliability.
• Lightweight and efficient design: Minimizing weight and power consumption is crucial for optimal aircraft performance.
• Personalized fit: The system should accommodate individual pilot preferences with adjustable liner fittings.
• Integrated audio and visual features: Spatial stereo audio with active noise cancellation and a color display are essential for effective communication and information display.
• Advanced tracking and night vision: The system must include an opto-inertial tracker and integrated Generation III Class B/C Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capabilities.
• Seamless aircraft integration: The HMDS should utilize ARINC661 CDS format protocol over 1553B/TSN/Ethernet for symbology generation and real-time data exchange with the aircraft.

Responses to the EOI will be reviewed by a Technical Assessment Committee (TAC). Following this assessment, ADA may initiate a limited bidding process.

While the EOI doesn't specify the aircraft programs, it is likely that the HMDS systems are being considered for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft variants and potentially the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) currently under development.

 

[Oleg Olkha]

Judging from the picture, I'd say it was the Elbit Systems for F-35. But they've has everything... Regards.

 

[sanket]

propose HMDS must have been flown on Fighter platform previously , does it mean they want already developed one or New

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Also, for subsequent requirements start a program under IDEX or industry -academia partnership for HMDS. If we are planning to export jets then such systems should be developed indigenously.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

Its a foregone conclusion that Israel's Elbit will be chosen as we have extensive co operation with them for the past 2 decades regarding Dash HMS for the LCA series. One of the beautiful things about Dash is all the flight data that was projected on the HMS during a sortie can be saved digitally on a cartridge and can be again viewed while debriefing just like the US ACMI system. Thats a great advantage for pilots to know what happened during an intense dog fight or a strike sortie.
And thus know if they made any mistakes and what corrections are necessary in a future scenario. I believe samtel is making HMS with France.

The Dash series ae being currently operational on the LCA. HMS is a cutting edge hi-tech system only a few companies make them in the west.. US, Israel, south africa, France , UK , sweden ie BAE collaboration etc. Of course the basic russian stuff that is on the SU -30mki which is only good for target designation of the R-73 missile , it cannot display fight parameters.

The Rolls Royce of HMS is the ones flying currently on the F-35. Developed by Elbit and US companies. Each one costs $ 500,000 , its is tailor made for each individual pilots head.

The chosen vendor has to be confidential as all flight parameters from the various avionics have to be integrated on to the HMDS. Navigation, radar, IRST, weapons sight, cannon parameters, wiht other basic flight data. The F-35 HDMS has even the the capability to view his surroundings, even below the cockpit with the help of DAS ie distributed aperture system in infrared mode.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

JUST GET DASHV the best HDMSS for IAF pilots soon......!1

 

[Sandeep]

propose HMDS must have been flown on Fighter platform previously , does it mean they want already developed one or New

One that is already developed but bought by us in a brand new condition

 

[Sandeep]

This seems to be a replacement or for some brand new jets

 

[Pramkumar]

India has to develop its own since, the finland ban on engine starter show we cannot trust either european or the Americans.

 

[Vipul Kumar]

For anyone thinking why doesn't india develop its own head mounted display, in super Sukhoi upgradation the hmd are developed by drdo DEBEL lab. And for amca also Dare and debel lab are working together for amca hmd helmet.