Helmet-mounted sight systems, avionic systems, radio communication

Modern integrated avionic systems include, among others, helmet-mounted display systems, the main task of which is to improve the pilot’s situational awareness on the modern battlefield. A completely new issue related to helmet-mounted data display is the use of information received from radio communication systems. The electronic (computer) integration of individual devices forming an avionic system uses digital data buses, in which information (including radio station operating parameters, alarm signals, radio commands, target data) or target images can be presented directly “before the eyes” of the pilot in helmet-mounted display systems. The paper discusses the results of preliminary analyses of similar work carried out in Poland (including by ITWL and BUMAR ŻOŁNIERZ S.A.) as part of the modernization of military helicopters with analogue avionics (e.g., Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-24). One of the fundamental problems that arose was the method of acquiring data from currently operated analogue radio stations and processing them into a digital version for monitor or helmet-mounted display (according to the so-called GLASS COCKPIT standard).PRESENTATION OF RADIO COMMUNICATION DATA IN HELMET-MOUNTED SIGHT AND DISPLAY DEVICES USED IN AIR TRANSPORT SYSTEMS – POSSIBILITIES AND NEEDS
Abstract
Modern integrated avionic systems include, among other designs, helmet-mounted display systems with their most essential objective of improving pilot’s situational awareness on the contemporary battlefield. Another HMD-related issue, and quite a fresh one, is applicability of radio communication systems delivered information/data. The electronic (computer-based) integration of particular devices that build up an avionic system makes use of digital data buses, where information (including the radio station’s operating parameters, alarm signals, radio commands, data/images/photos of the target) may be put directly before the eyes of a pilot furnished with the HMD system. Primary analyses of similar efforts, e.g. those made by ITWL and BUMAR ŻOŁNIERZ S.A, undertaken in Poland to upgrade military helicopters carrying analogue avionics (e.g. the Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-24 ones) have been discussed in the paper. One of the most fundamental issues in this field is how to collect data from the hitherto used analogue radio stations, digitise it, and present on the monitor or the HMDS’s displays (following the GLASS COCKPIT standard). (…)

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