Representing a major breakthrough in visual display capability, the Link AHMD will be demonstrated at I/ITSEC as a key component to an interoperable urban training exercise.
An F-16 pilot operating a simulator in the L-3 Communications booth and an AH-64A pilot in the U.S. Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer-Aviation Reconfigurable Manned Simulator suite each will be wearing the Link AHMD.
The F-16 and AH-64A pilots will be networked with a HMWWV simulator in the L-3 Communications booth to collectively combat an enemy in an urban environment.
"The Link AHMD has been designed to support both virtual training and augmented operational reality," said John McNellis, president of Link Simulation and Training.
"This innovation in visual display technology can be used to support deployable training solutions and traditional simulation requirements, in addition to augmented reality awareness for unmanned aerial vehicle, air traffic control and C4ISR operators. We look forward to producing the first AHMD production units during 2005."
By attaching to the user's own helmet in a matter of seconds, the Link AHMD provides a lightweight, balanced center of gravity. Image alignment controls on the AHMD ensure all users obtain optimum display viewing.
Link's AHMD proprietary design provides users with a 360-degree field-of-regard of both out-the-window imagery and systems symbology. The instantaneous user field-of-view spans 100 degrees horizontally by 50 degrees vertically. Projected resolution seen by each eye is 1280 x 1024.
Users are able to view high resolution, SXGA full color imagery that is unsurpassed by any other helmet mounted display on the market. The AHMD's greater than 60 percent see-through capability enables users to clearly view their surrounding cockpit or environment.
A revolutionary optics and illumination design, in addition to the use of solid-state micro displays, enables the AHMD to provide unmatched contrast, brightness and vivid color for all types of imagery. Adjustable brightness controls on the AHMD provide the user added flexibility.
Because the Link AHMD has an eye relief greater than 50 millimeters, users also are able to wear eyeglasses. In addition, the claustrophobic, closed-in feeling prevalent in other helmet mounted displays is not an issue with this new visual display breakthrough.
Link Simulation and Training, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment designed to enhance operational proficiency.
Link's services include conducting front end analysis, simulator design and production, and field support. Link has its headquarters operation in Arlington, TX, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY, Orlando, FL, Broken Arrow, OK, and Phoenix, AZ.