HMD Left Hand Optical System (space model)

A new optical design for HMDs developed by BAE Systems uses wave-guide technology and it is named Q-Sight™. This system uses holographic optics embedded between two transparent plates to direct the image to the eye. The potential advantages to this system are simplicity, large eye relief, ability to use in conjunction with existing night vision goggles (NVGs), low cost, reduced weight and ability to adapt to existing military helmets.

Weighing less than 4 ounces (113 grams), it has no bulky projection optics and offers an exceptional centre-of-mass.

Q-Sight’s miniature display is easily adaptable to any standard helmet as either a left- or right-side configuration (at approximately 25 mm), allowing the pilot to choose his or her dominant eye. A binocular configuration also is available.

Symbology and/or video can be displayed to provide the pilot with eyes-out operation). In day (high-ambient-light) conditions, a dark visor can be deployed to improve the image contrast. Q-Sight is designed to be compatible with the current NVGs. Operation at night is achieved by attaching the NVG and deploying in the normal manner. The Q-Sight display is located in its own mount and positioned behind the NGV eyepiece.

Major performance specifications include:

• FOV: 30°, monocular
• Luminance: 1800 fL
• Contrast ratio 1.2:1
• Exit pupil: > 35 mm
• Eye relief: > 25 mm (15 -50mm range)
• Power consumption:
• Head-supported mass: < 113 grams (4 ounces)

If a head tracked system is required this can be achieved by adding tracker pads to the helmet.

The system is offered in a range of modules named Q-Sight™ 100 to Q-Sight™250, for applications as a Helicopter Helmet Mounted Sight, for a Gunner’s Remote Sight or for Soldier systems.

The RAA contains a number of models of equipment and aircraft. The equipment models were used as a marketing aid and often to ensure that the production unit will fit in the space; this was particularly true for Head Up Displays. Such equipment models will have minimal or no functionality. Models might  just be used as weighted units or as cockpit lighting evaluation units. The HUD used on the YF-16 was of the correct weight and envelope but only mounted the Spin 'chute button (a feature only required for the early test flights). Many of these models were made by professional model makers from the original drawings and could be quite expensive; alternatively the real hardware would be used.

The aircraft models range from the simple small scale kits to quite large display items. The large model aircraft were often a marketing tool from places like Airbus or Boeing but may be found in Boardrooms or Reception areas wheras the small models may be given as a visitor handout. Those models made from kits have largely been brought in from home but are useful to illustrate the platform alongside the equipment. The large models will be hugely expensive.