BAE Systems presented a range of technologies covering air, electronics, security, etc. at Farnborough.

First up, BAE systems unveiled its Striker II Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD), a fully digital solution that provides today’s combat pilot with exceptional night vision and target tracking technology, integrated within a visor-projected system. With decades of combat-proven experience, the new platform-agnostic Striker II HMD builds upon BAE Systems’ current Striker HMD, which has been successfully deployed on Eurofighter Typhoon and Gripen fleets.

“As the industry transitions from analogue to digital display solutions, Striker II brings a superior, fully digital capability to multiple platform types,” said Joseph Senftle, Vice President and General Manager for Communications and Controls Solutions at BAE Systems. “Designed to address evolving mission requirements with advanced digital night vision technology, our new HMD was built to be ‘future proof’ and seamlessly adaptable to technology advancements in the years ahead.”

Delivering breakthrough abilities for night combat, the Striker II brings its high performance digital night vision camera inside the helmet, which helps reduce g-force effects on the pilot’s head and neck to improve comfort, and eliminates the need to manually configure and adjust night vision goggle (NVG) hardware for day-to-night transitions. With its binocular visor-projected display performance, the new system integrates a centre-mounted ISIE™-11 sensor based on Intevac Photonics’ patented advanced imaging sensor technology, known as the electron bombarded active pixel sensor (EBAPS™). This advanced sensor strengthens the display’s night vision acuity — bringing the system’s night vision performance to a level equal to or better than HMDs using current NVGs. The new configuration also significantly reduces weight, when compared to today’s HMD/NVG solutions.

This next-generation HMD also includes a cutting-edge tracking system that ensures the pilot’s exact head position and the aircraft computer system are continuously in sync, reducing problems common to other HMDs. The Striker II tracking system, with new hybrid opto-inertial technology, eliminates any delay in determining where the pilot is looking and can therefore perfectly position symbology onto the visor. The results are high-precision target tracking and engagement as well as superior situational awareness and mission effectiveness.

Taranis, thunders its way

Taranis is an unmanned combat air system (UCAS) demonstrator which is said to help the UK Ministry of Defence with experimental evidence that will help to shape the future mix of manned and unmanned fast-jet aircraft. BAE Systems states that the UCAV is the ‘most advanced aircraft ever produced in the UK.”

BAE Systems presented the Taranis at the show, stating that it had recently successfully completed a second phase of flight testing. The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne said: “The success of these test flights is an important milestone for the Taranis project. We are gaining vital insights into the potential of unmanned aircraft and this knowledge will shape future capabilities and help reduce the risks faced by military personnel on the frontline. I am determined to continue investing in these world-leading projects to show us the future, today.”

Taranis is designed to be the prototype for a combat drone – capable of carrying out long-range strikes in hostile territory. “The Taranis project is a tremendous example of how the UK Government and industry can work together,” said BAE’s Chris Garside, Engineering Director of Future Combat Systems.

F-16 Upgrade

BAE Systems also highlighted the upgrade to aircraft avionics of the F-16 fighter. Consequent to South Korea’s selection of BAE Systems’ upgrade solution in 2012, there is now a choice of upgrade providers for the 28 customers who currently operate a staggering 138 different configurations of F-16. The Korea deal “really did change the landscape” for F-16 upgrade programmes, said John Bean, BAE Systems’ Global Fighter Programmes Business Vice President and General Manager.