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BMH Outer Helmet Assembly (Space Model)

Technical Information

Catalogue No: C1486
Category: Head-Mounted Equipment [HMD/NVG/Glasses]
Object Type: Module/Sub-Assembly/Component
Object Name: BMH Outer Helmet Assembly (Space Model)
Part No: 3887/57610-00-000
Serial No: 00118
Manufacturer: Gentex
Division: Unknown
Platform(s):
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Dimensions: Width (mm): 250
Height (mm): 200
Depth (mm): 30
Weight (g): 720
Location: Rack RAA15 (HMDs) [Mezzanine Store]
Inscription(s):

BMH Outer Helmet Assembly
Part No. 3887/57610/00/000
Serial 00118K0662

Spec SPE-J-950-B-0221
Mfg. Date 04-01

Notes:

Space model or Prototype of outer helmet fitted with dummy display modules and LED array for the head position cameras.
Inside Label as follows
Outer Helmet Assembly, EF 2000
3887/57618 SPE-J-950-B-0221
MFR Gentex Corp, 97427/98D10351-3
Date of Manufacture 3/01
NSN: S/N 00054 K0662

In mid 1999, after completion of the proving tests the Eurofighter Typhoon Helmet Mounted Display was flown for the first time in the rear seat of the two-seat Eurofighter Typhoon DA4. The flight included operation at high g and at high roll rates. Initial results were encouraging confirming the positive comments of the test pilot noted during testing.

Marconi Electronic Systems developed a new design of Basic Mechanical Helmet (BMH) with Gentex planned to enter service with Eurofighter Typhoon in 2002.

The BMH is a two-part helmet made up of an inner helmet (custom fitted to the pilot) an outer helmet assembly (which incorporates the visor assemblies) and a lightweight oxygen mask.

The BMH provides a high standard of protection similar to that provided by a standard aircrew helmet and also forms the basis of the full display helmet which will incorporate a full binocular helmet display and detachable night vision cameras.

The fully functional display helmet system is due to enter service on Eurofighter in October 2005.

Testing has also included a 600kt ejection test at Martin Baker's Langford Lodge site in Northern Ireland. The Eurofighter Typhoon BMH was fitted to a mannequin and installed in a Martin Baker Mk.16 ejection seat mounted on a rocket propelled sled. It successfully survived the high-speed ejection with no structural damage.

The Eurofighter Head Equipment Assembly (HEA) comprises the aircrew helmet and all the sub-system elements needed to display a real-world overlaid picture on the helmet visor.

Aircraft systems provide target and flight information which HEA can combine with its in-built night vision enhanced outside world image and project them together on to the helmet display visor, exactly overlaying the aircrew's outside world view.

 

Source: Flight Daily News   14 November 1999

https://www.flightglobal.com/eurofighter-helmet-system-clears-milestones/29315.article

 

In 1983 the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain launched the Future European Fighter Aircraft (FEFA) programme.. In 1984 France reiterated its requirement for a carrier-capable version and demanded a leading role. The UK, West Germany and Italy opted out and established a new EFA programme.

In Turin on 2 August 1985 Italy, West Germany and the UK agreed to go ahead with the Eurofighter. Spain rejoined the Eurofighter project in early September 1985. The aircraft was known as Eurofighter EFA from the late 1980s until it was renamed EF 2000 in 1992. The maiden flight of the Eurofighter prototype took place on 27 March 1994 and on 2nd September 1998, a naming ceremony was held at Farnborough when the Typhoon name was formally adopted. The aircraft was known as Eurofighter EFA from the late 1980s until it was renamed EF 2000 in 1992.

The first flight of the Eurofighter prototype took place on 27 March 1994 and in 1998 the Typhoon name was formally adopted.

Development of the Viper™ HMD optical system and the Crusader two part helmet concepts were combined to create the core Striker ® HMD design in the early 2000’s. The HMD was further developed for the Eurofighter Typhoon  and is now in production for the  UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and Saudi Arabia aircraft. Another variant was developed for the Gripen & Hawk and this is in production for the South African Air Force the Swedish Air Force and others. Both designs are operational and in-squadron service. Another special Striker ® HMD variant was provided for Simulator training.

Conventional systems mean pilots must point aircraft in the direction they want to fire to get the enemy in a field of view before engaging their weapons. This helmet allows the pilot to let his helmet do the pointing (or off-boresight) without wasting vital time manoeuvring the aircraft – a huge advantage in combat.

The Striker® helmet-mounted display provides users with critical head-up, eyes-out situational awareness throughout the mission profile. With its dynamic display of symbology and sensor imagery, it delivers enhanced effectiveness 24 hours a day, in all weather. It has high precision, real world overlay of flight parameters, sensor video, and weapon and sensor targeting information

The Striker® also offers visor-projected night vision through helmet-integrated digital camera technology.

The two part helmet system has a two-part protective liner laser scan form-fitted to the individual pilot an inner shell with the communications and an outer ‘technical’ module supporting the display and Head Tracker. The helmet  tough helmet shell, blast visor and secure fastening provide  a high level of head impact protection and penetration protection,  600 knot wind blast protection and  passive noise reduction  all give the pilot uncompromised comfort and safety. The HMD features a binocular, fully overlapped, visor-projected, 40-degree-wide field of view with a 15mm exit pupil to ensure comfortable, uninterrupted viewing under the most dynamic flight conditions. The visor projected arrangement gives 50mm eye relief to allow use of normal spectacles and /or laser protections. The high-accuracy, low-latency optical head tracker does not require cockpit mapping and it provides better than 1° of accuracy at all viewing angles.

The 1.9 kg total head-supported mass in day configurations maximizes head/neck safety and comfort.

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