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Instant Situational Awareness

March 6, 2007

Pilots at the 18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska, are using a new helmet featuring the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, which provides better head protection and improves breathing and radio communication, reports journalist A1C Nora Anton. The camera, embedded in the helmet, allows ground forces to see what the pilot sees, and a projector situated at the top of the helmet displays information on the inside of the visor for the pilot. The camera is over the left eye; the projector is over the right. This news system displays a holographic image wherever the pilot looks. According to one F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, the best thing about the cutting-edge technology is that it provides pilots with instant situational awareness.

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