Retrofittable Tactical Head Up Display (RTHUD)

ABSTRACT: Currently tactical Head up Displays (HUD) are expensive both in cost of acquisition and Life Cycle Cost. In addition, retrofit of a more capable HUD into an existing airframe is complex and the bulk of the HUD competes with other display systems for valuable cockpit volume. The objective of this program is to develop a new approach to the HUD architecture that will show significant improvements in all areas of performance when compared to legacy systems. In addition, the new HUD concept will include design features, including increased modularity, which will permit easy retrofit into existing airframes and will offer a significant reduction in Life Cycle cost, both by reducing cost of acquisition and by increasing reliability. This project will achieve its ends by reviewing state of the art technologies that can be applied across all areas of the HUD functionality including data and video processing, image generation and optics and selecting those most supportive of the project objectives. A conceptual architecture will be developed incorporating the selected technologies. The performance and cost metrics estimated for the conceptual architecture will be used as the basis for a business case analysis to demonstrate the viability of the approach. BENEFIT: Large numbers of current tactical aircraft and tactical trainers are fitted with legacy HUDs which are of limited performance and are or are becoming difficult to maintain due to their aging and obsolescent technology. Many of these airframes are candidates for cockpits upgrades to include panoramic displays which compete for space with a conventionally configured HUD. Further, the aircraft structure under the coaming/glare shield can required costly changes to accommodate a new HUD unless the HUD is physically small and/or custom designed to fit. The development of new technology enables a modular and low profile HUD design which has the potential to mitigate installation problems and be compatible with the introduction of panoramic Head down Display technology. The concept will allow a common design or small family of modular variations to address multiple airframes. Cost of ownership will be reduced via the introduction of more capable, lower power technology to improve both functionality and reliability and the amortization of common design and qualification costs over multiple programs. Further savings will accrue as a result of the reduced cost of aircraft modification during the retrofit process.