Head-Up Display Study

A study of the requirements for and the design of an advanced head-up display (HUD) was conducted. The requirements, based on use in an advanced close air support fighter, included wide field of view (60-x 45-degree), and high brightness (approximately 8,000 fL). The requirements analysis was supported by interviews with pilot users of head up displays in the field. It was concluded that conventional HUD techniques (cathode ray tubes, thick lenses, etc.) could not be practically used to meet these requirements. Accordingly, an advanced design utilizing holographic optics and liquid crystal display techniques was conceived and evaluated. The holographic lens provides the combiner and collimator functions. The liquid crystal matrix display provides modulation of the light from a collimated arc light source to provide either sensor or symbol video. Using these components, several alternate configurations capable of meeting the requirements were derived. The A-10 aircraft was selected as a candidate for the installation due to its large canopy and over the nose visibility. As part of the study program, a demonstrator was developed to indicate how the holographic lens/combiner and reflective liquid crystal can be used together as a see through display. Also a half size mockup of the baseline cockpit configuration was fabricated.