The British Ministry of Defense has awarded BAE Systems a contract to develop its Striker II Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fleet.
Developed at BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent, the Striker II is one of the most advanced combat helmets in the world, using the latest technologies to integrate its fully digital night vision system and daylight-readable color display. Striker II displays data directly on the pilot’s helmet visor, providing real-world augmented reality along with critical mission information right before the pilot’s eyes.
Under the new contract, BAE Systems engineers are maturing the helmet’s capability ahead of the start of initial production to support qualification and integration flight testing at BAE Systems’ combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire.
Andrea Thompson, managing director of European and International Air Sector, BAE Systems, said: “The Striker II will provide RAF Typhoon pilots with a crucial advantage: it will offer unrivaled situational awareness from the cockpit while also helping to avoid sensory overload, something vital in a high-tech, fast-paced environment.”
“This contract will allow our electronics and air combat experts to collaborate on developing the helmet to enhance further the critical role Typhoon pilots play in round-the-clock defense and security.”
Defense Procurement Minister James Cartlidge said: “Striker II helmets feature state-of-the-art data displays and are adaptable to the growing demands of combat space.”
“This investment will support the development of cutting-edge equipment for future aviators while supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs.”
The contract, valued at £40m, will create and sustain more than 200 highly skilled jobs at BAE Systems sites in Kent and Lancashire, working directly on the Striker II program. The Typhoon program supports more than 20,800 jobs across the UK.
The Striker II is designed and manufactured at BAE Systems’ facility in Rochester, Kent, and has undergone significant development in collaboration with the customer. The plant has been a display technology leader for over 60 years. Rochester has more than 1,500 employees and continues to expand to accommodate company growth.
BAE Systems
