TopOwl night-vision, helmet mounted sight and display to be tested on A400M
NewsJuly 13, 2012
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom. Officials of the Organization for Joint Armaments Cooperation (OCCAR) selected the TopOwl Helmet-Mounted Sight and Display (HMSD) for flight testing on the A400M military transport aircraft prototype. The tests are being done to confirm the HMSD compatibility with the A400M for night missions. TopOwl has an integrated night vision capability for pilots. Thales officials made the announcement this week during the Farnborough Air Show.
TopOwl’s symbology and Enhanced Vision System (EVS) imagery are projected on the head up display and are compatible with the intensified night vision imagery. The Thales system is the only HMSD system currently in that has a night vision function, company officials say.
The visor-projected night vision image environmental perception and enables peripheral vision. If the image tubes become saturated or fail, the pilot can maintain direct vision via the visor, thereby improving flight safety.
TopOwl has already flown in deep-night missions on combat helicopters in Afghanistan and Libya, company officials say.
