MIDAS -- Modular Integrated Display Augmentation System

In operational environments where Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threats are present, Department of the Air Force (DAF) Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) Operators and other Department of Defense (DoD) personnel must wear Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, which significantly restricts their ability to access mission-critical digital systems. MOPP gloves reduce manual dexterity, making interaction with End-User Devices (EUDs) difficult, while protective masks limit the wearer’s field of view (FOV), making chest-mounted displays nearly unusable. At higher MOPP levels, over garments fully obscure EUDs, preventing access to digital information when it is most needed. This limitation directly impacts situational awareness (SA), command and control effectiveness, and operational decision-making in contested environments. There is a clear need for a technology solution that enables hands-free access to critical digital information without compromising the protective integrity of MOPP gear. The Modular Integrated Display Augmentation System (MIDAS) is an augmented reality (AR) heads-up display (HUD) designed for seamless integration into protective masks and other head-worn systems, enabling real-time access to ATAK/SWAK digital data without requiring physical interaction with an EUD. MIDAS features a monocular transparent display that provides an unobtrusive digital overlay, ensuring operators can maintain SA while remaining fully protected. It employs a contactless power and data transmission system, allowing for high-definition video feed from the operator’s EUD to the HUD without breaching the mask seal. The system is modular, supporting integration not only with protective masks but also with helmet visors, dive masks, and ballistic goggles, increasing its applicability across multiple operational domains. By providing an intuitive, heads-up information display, MIDAS enhances mission effectiveness, reduces cognitive load, and allows operators to maintain focus in high-threat environments. The Phase I feasibility effort focused on assessing the integration of AR display technology with protective masks while maintaining the mask’s protective integrity. The effort validated that MIDAS could successfully integrate with existing protective equipment using a non-intrusive mounting solution and a magnetically coupled video and power bridge. These findings established the technical feasibility of the system and de-risked core design elements, paving the way for a Phase II effort. The Phase II effort will advance MIDAS to Technology Readiness Level of 6, focusing on full system prototyping, environmental testing, and end-user validation to ensure operational effectiveness and transition readiness.