January-February 2022 - 26

COVER STORY
Excelitas Technologies
offers holographic
combiners used on
many of the military
platforms.
EXCELITAS
TECHNOLOGIES
Elbit Systems recently introduced a low-profile
HUD for next-generation fighter jets. Operational features
include Wide Field of View design (FOV), Large
Head Motion Box (HMB), high image brightness,
enhanced symbol quality, superior video image quality
and high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).
The customizable HUD systems are available in
either an overhead or panel-mounted configuration,
allowing installation in advanced cockpit configurations,
in conjunction with a Large Area Display
(LAD) using Elbit Systems' low-profile HUD series.
Most HUDs have been deemed too expensive, big
and heavy for general aviation aircraft. MyGoFlight
introduced the SkyDisplay HUD in 2021, which
weighs less than 4.5 pounds and projects a multicolored
image for better visibility.
Mitch Biggs, director of sales and business development
for MyGoFlight/SkyDisplay, said the display
information is optimized for the phase of flight operation.
SkyDisplay also allows a quick declutter feature
and the ability to rotate the combining glass away
from the pilot's field of view if necessary.
Thermal imaging can be added to SkyDisplay so
firefighting pilots can see the hotspots and significantly
improve their drop accuracy while still getting
all their flight data and record data in one place.
" Essentially, the system is designed to be plug and
play and can be installed by any MRO, " Biggs said.
" The HUD is designed to be installed by certified
26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
avionics installation shops requiring very little training.
We use standard connectors, common cabling,
and easy-to-read installation guides. "
Excelitas supplies HUD optics and/or combiners
for many aircraft including F-22, F-16, Eurofighter
Typhoon, Rafale, C-130, A400M, Airbus A350 and
A320, Boeing 737, 777 and 787 Dreamliner, and business
jets for Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream.
Chris Bigwood, vice president, advanced optronics,
Excelitas Technologies, said the company offers the
capability for holographic combiners used on many of
the military platforms and the products are renowned
for their image clarity and reliability.
" We have also worked closely with our customers
to develop the next generation of HUD, which offers
a step change in size and weight whilst maintaining
imaging performance, " Bigwood said.
Excelitas is working with customers on waveguide
solutions, Bigwood said. A key aspect of these waveguide
solutions is the optical light engine, which is
critical for maintaining image clarity, brightness and
uniformity.
The use of low volume waveguide HUD technology
releases valuable display real estate below the HUD,
previously occupied by conventional HUD optics,
allowing integration of large flat screen displays.
Retrofits using waveguide technology HUDs opens
up opportunities for integration of these flat screen
displays into legacy fighter jet cockpits.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
January-February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January-February 2022
