These range from a baseline of an ordinary helmet without any symbology or sound, to symbology only and to a combination of symbology and spatial sound. Results seem to indicate that each added sensory input decreases the time a pilot needs to detect a threat. This mixed sensory input system probably will see flight trials in 1997, Beck warrants. The three-dimensional spatial sound will be the first of these upgrades to be integrated into the Rafale, he adds. The display system for the Rafale helmet is complete, with evaluations focusing on further developments of the system's symbology.
Similar improvements loom on the horizon for the helicopter helmets as well.
All of the Rafale and helicopter helmets could be applied to other countries' aircraft as well, Beck adds.