BAE Systems has delivered the first order of a new helmet-mounted optical sighting system to the Royal Navy, addressing a mission-critical need for increased air door gunner situational awareness on helicopters. BAE Systems, prime contractor for the Lynx PT, earlier this month delivered 12 Q-Sightâ„¢ Gunner Remote Sighting Systems (GRSS) that are qualified for use on the Lynx Mk8 helicopter.

“We are pleased to announce the first delivery of our Gunner Remote Sighting Systems, the result of partnering closely with BAE Systems. The equipment will now enter a period of testing and operational evaluation with the Royal Navy,” said Lt. Cdr. Ant Laycock, Royal Navy Lynx capability manager. “This advanced mission capability will greatly enhance accuracy and target identification, whilst being affordable and compatible with the current helmet set-up and night vision goggles.”

Using patented holographic technology, BAE Systems’ lightweight Q-Sight helmet-mounted display ― a small device that clips onto the helmet ― provides day-or-night “head-up, eyes-out” capability by projecting flight and mission information in front of the user’s eyes – a capability that previously involved installing bulky and complex projectors and lenses in cockpits or ground vehicles.

The Royal Navy will use the Q-Sight GRSS variation in conjunction with an existing Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS) on its Lynx Mk8 helicopters to enhance targeting accuracy for door gunners. The Q-Sight display will project the image from a machine gun-mounted TWS onto the gunner’s helmet-mounted display, allowing the gunner greater range of movement without losing sight of the image.

“Our priority is on the needs of the customer and to help ensure the success of their missions. We worked closely with our customers to understand the tactical combat needs of today’s military aviators and gunners,” said Paul Cooke, defence avionics’ director of business development for BAE Systems. “We have developed a game-changing, highly sophisticated technology to meet these needs, which further builds on our existing relationships with the Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy.”

Compatible with other helmet display drivers and symbol generators, the Q-Sight display’s modular design is easily retrofitted or upgraded and enables the addition of new capabilities at low cost. The system’s increased visibility and lightweight design enhances ergonomics, by minimising eye and neck strain, common problems for aviators managing the demands of longer missions and increasingly complex rules of engagement. BAE Systems’ revolutionary Q-Sight optical technology provides a high compatibility and interoperability benefit with night vision goggles enabling seamless transition between day and night operations.

BAE Systems began developing Q-Sight technology in 2007 and has applied the capability to commercial and military platforms to increase situational awareness, reduce fatigue, and cut the need for bulky systems in the cockpit. The company delivered the initial Q-Sight systems to the Royal Navy for demonstration and training in March 2010.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).