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HMD Quick Release Cable Assembly

Technical Information

Catalogue No: C0926
Category: Head-Mounted Equipment [HMD/NVG/Glasses]
Object Type: Module/Sub-Assembly/Component
Object Name: HMD Quick Release Cable Assembly
Part No: AE00008582-01 & AE00008583-01
Serial No: 001
Manufacturer: Unknown
Division: Unknown
Platform(s): Typhoon (Eurofighter/EFA)
Year of Manufacture: Unknown
Dimensions: Width (mm): 145
Height (mm): 102
Depth (mm): 91
Weight (g): 494
Location: Rack RAA15 (HMDs) [Mezzanine Store]
Inscription(s):

[fixed part]
Asset No. 175198
0023738 [bar code]
AE00008583-01
SN 001
MRB
────────────────
[free part]
Asset No. 175181
0023737 [bar code]
AE00008582-01
SN 001
MRB 570/05836

Notes:

The given dimensions are for the fixed part (on a mounting plate) of the QRC assembly but exclude its 765mm long cable. The free part of the QRC assembly (that connects to a helmet assembly) weighs 345g and is 46mm diameter x 95mm long plus its 850mm cable.

This assembly links the Head Equipment Assembly via an umbilical cable to the Electronics Unit. All the Head Tracker, Drive functions, communications and conditioned power (including high voltage) run through the umbilical which must be lightweight and flexible and also resistant to handling and wear. The circular assembly is a vital component the Quick Release Connector which absolutely must release the umbilical on ejection and yet handle day to day usage.

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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