RAF Fighter Pilots to Receive Innovative Helmet and Support System

UK Royal Air Force Typhoon jet fighter pilots are to receive the BAE Systems-developed helmet and support system, the helmet-mounted symbology system.

The system will allow RAF pilots to “see” through the body of the aircraft, to look at multiple targets, lock on to them, and then, by voice-command, prioritise them before firing.

BAE Systems chief test pilot Mark Bowman said the helmet and support system would provide Typhoon pilots with a significant advantage in air combat.

The helmet works by having a number of fixed sensors around the cockpit area and as the pilot moves his head, the sensors on his helmet move in relation to the sensors on the aircraft, ensuring the aircraft knows exactly where and what he is looking at.

The RAF plans to bring the new helmet system into operation this year.