The HDM will augment FA-50 pilots’ vision in real-time through advanced hybrid inertial optical tracking

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has selected Thales’ Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HDM) to equip its FA-50 fighters for Poland. The HDM will augment FA-50 pilots’ vision in real-time through advanced hybrid inertial optical tracking.

Under the contract terms, Thales is responsible for adapting, integrating, and qualifying the HMD onto KAI’s FA-50 Fighting Eagle and installing production systems.

Paired with the FA-50’s remarkable advanced fighter capabilities, thanks to its digital cockpit, digital flight control system, and an impressive array of precision-guided weapons, Scorpion HMD will enhance situational awareness to ensure mission success.

The highly accurate Scorpion® HMD features full-colour symbology, zero-perceived latency, and a single display module for both day and night operations – with reduced life-cycle costs. Using Scorpion’s precision Hybrid Optically-based Inertial Tracker (HObIT™), motion-tracking accuracy is significantly improved over competing systems.

“We are excited to add the FA-50 to the long list of highly capable combat aircraft embracing our Scorpion HMD. For KAI we also supply rotary wing versions for their Light Armed and Marine Attack helicopters,” said Jim Geraghty, Vice President at Visionix, a division of Thales Defense & Security Inc. “Scorpion’s simplified approach to platform integration, superior situational awareness, high reliability, and enhanced pilot comfort makes this system unmatched in the HMD marketspace,” he added.

Thales hopes this contract is just the start as the FA-50 is made available to customers worldwide. Scorpion is also well-suited to be easily adapted onto the T-50 Advanced Jet Trainer and TA-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer, as HMDs are becoming integral to most current and future combat aircraft.