Gripen Test Pilot Magnus Olsson was the first pilot to take to the air wearing a fully ergonomic mechanical ‘mock-up’ of the new Cobra Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).  Following the flight Magnus stated, “The helmet was comfortable and stable throughout the whole test flight.  The radio communications worked well and all the test points were met as we gradually increased the envelope between –3g and +9g.”

Selected to meet the stringent requirements of the Gripen, the BAE SYSTEMS ‘Cobra’ fully integrated world class HMD system provides, all weather, all attitude operation over the full combat flight envelope.  The HMD system will fully complement and enhance the Gripen weapon system with its capabilities that include weapon/sensor slaving with real world overlay of flight parameters, sensor data, target cuing and weapon status.

The HMD displays data directly onto the helmet visor, improving the pilot’s situational awareness and allowing the Gripen pilot to stay ‘heads up’ at crucial points in the mission.  The Cobra is a binocular system with a 40-degree field of view that displays both air-to- air and air-to-ground weapons symbology, as well as basic flight data.  The helmet uses Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) for imagery projection and advanced electronics that provide high speed processing and graphics generation.

Gripen’s Cobra HMD is the latest version of the ‘Striker’ family and benefits directly from over 40 years of combined BAE SYSTEMS and Saab helmet experience. The fully integrated Helmet display system development is the overall responsibility of BAE SYSTEMS; the oxygen mask is being developed by G4 Systems, the high speed, high accuracy helmet tracking system by DENEL Optronics (former CUMULUS) and the display symbology by Saab.

Saab’s experience with HMDs dates back nearly 10 years, in which time thousands of hours have been poured into system development and symbology evolution. The ergonomic flight, which was seen as one of the project’s largest risks, proved that the HMD met the requirements set.  Work will continue throughout 2004 leading to system integration and more flight trials in 2005 using the Gripen C-model and the new helmets.  These trials will be used to fully validate operation of the HMD with the fully operational display systems. In August 2006 HMD trials will commence in South Africa with the aim of having the system operational and available in time for the Gripen’s debut in SAAF service 2007.

Note: Photos of the Cobra HMD for Gripen can be downloaded from www.gripen.com

Background
Gripen is the most cost-effective and capable supersonic, multi-role/swing-role fighter aircraft in operational service today. In service with the Swedish Air Force since 1997, it will also equip the South African, Hungarian and Czech Air Forces. Read more about Gripen and Gripen International at www.gripen.com
SAAB AB is one of the world’s leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defense, aviation and space. The Group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capability in systems integration. Read more about SAAB at www.saab.se

BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions. Read more at www.baesystems.com

For further information, please contact:
Owe Wagermark, Senior Vice President Communications
Mobile: +46 734 181 824
owe.wagermark@gripen.com

Marie Aktö, Communications Manager
Mobile: +46 734 184 216
marie.akto@gripen.com

Anders Annerfalk, Communications Manager
Mobile: +46 734 184 815
anders.annerfalk@gripen.com

Adrian Stockwell, Communications Manager
Mobile:+46 734 184 763
adrian.stockwell@gripen.com

For pictures, please contact:
Anne Lewis-Olsson, Communications Coordinator
Mobile:+46 734 181 355, Fax:+46 13 180 055,
anne.olsson@gripen.com