Sagem Défense Sécurité’s Gerfaut helmet-mounted display was chosen for Rafale air force and navy fighters in 2003. The innovative technologies incorporated in the Gerfault will give Rafale pilots a real advantage in aerial combat. We talked to Jean-Christophe Mugler, deputy director of the military equipment department at Sagem Défense Sécurité.

What exactly does a helmet-mounted display do?

A helmet-mounted display, or HMD, considerably increases a fighter’s offensive capabilities, since it allows the pilot to designate a target by simply looking at it, thus directing the air-to-air missile’s sensors and seeker. It goes far beyond the field-of-view covered by a conventional head-up display, without any other limit than the pilot’s ability to turn his head under G loads. Of course, the helmet continues to provide physiological protection, and it can also be used to designate ground targets, by displaying geo-referenced points, or by pre-pointing the sensors. The visor is specially treated to display flight and fire control symbology.

What are some of the technical features of the Gerfaut HMD?

Sagem Défense Sécurité won this contract because it had the most innovative solutions, along with timely technology breakthroughs, especially in terms of miniature flat-panel displays and image processing. The Gerfaut uses optronic position detection, which is much easier than the electromagnetic detection devices used previously. The system determines which way the pilot is looking by a precise analysis of the helmet’s movements, using miniature cameras. The Gerfaut system’s electronics are calibrated once and for all during manufacture of the airplane. Each pilot has his own personalized helmet, and can subsequently use it without any restrictions, and without having to worry about the heavy electromagnetic environment inside the cockpit.

Where does the program stand today?

A total of 336 Gerfaut HMDs have been ordered for all French air force Rafale pilots, in the F3 version. This same standard is on offer in export markets. We signed the contract in 2004, and the helmet is now being integrated, for delivery to test pilots in early 2006. Production should start in 2007.