Archer Z-150 gives pilots 'a better heads-up'

The Archer Z-150 helmet-mounted display system launched by Carl Zeiss Optronics at the LIMA2011 show in Malaysia recently.

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"The Archer Z-150 is based on our combat-proven system that is already used by a number of air forces around the world," says Ben Ash, executive business development manager of CZO. "It is a cost-effective solution because it can be configured to fit onto most standard helmets worn by pilots and aircrew."

South Africa pioneered the research and development of helmet mounted display systems (HMDS) in the 1970s and the SA Air Force was the first to fly the helmet- mounted sights operationally.

On HMDS systems, all flight and mission data can be projected on the helmet-mounted display. The system follows the head movements of the pilot providing him with the ability to react and make mission-critical decisions within a fraction of a second. In addition, information on the aircraft's performance - such as airspeed and altitude - is also displayed, enabling the pilot to keep his head up and eliminating the need to look around in the cockpit.

CZO has been leading the world in new product development and innovations in this field over the past three decades. CZO is part of Carl Zeiss Optronics, the security and defence division of the Carl Zeiss Group, global leaders in the manufacturing of optronics, optical and precision engineering products for military and civilian applications.

Ash says the LIMA 2011 exhibition is an important platform for CZO to demonstrate the quality of its products to existing and potential clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Over the past 22 years LIMA has grown into one of the world's premier aerospace exhibitions, bringing together key decision-makers in both the defence and civilian sectors," he says.

Not only for military use

Helmet-mounted display systems are increasingly being used in non-military environments, says Frans Vermaak, responsible for the marketing and sales of airborne systems at CZO. This includes search-and-rescue operations, coastal patrols, fire fighting and the monitoring of high voltage electricity networks.

Archer Z-150 consists of two subsystems - a helmet-mounted display (HMD) and optical head tracking system (OHTS) configured to fit onto standard aircrew helmets. The entire system only adds approximately 600g to the weight of the helmet. The OHTS used in Archer Z-150 have been designed and manufactured at CZO's facilities in South Africa.

Archer Z-150 is designed to provide high accuracy, low latency in-flight tracking of helmet orientation and position. This is essential for slaving weapon systems and sensors while displaying stabilised symbols and images on the HMD. Information is relayed to the display within a few milliseconds and in-flight accuracies of a few milliradians are achieved.

The Archer Z-150 uses holographic optical waveguide display technology offering exceptional display performance and seamless night vision compatibility.

Vermaak says that cockpit mapping and harmonisation of the HMDS is a one-off exercise and no calibration is required. Depending on the requirements of the client, between one and four miniature sensors are installed in the cockpit together with a processor unit that is integrated with the aircraft's computer.

Installation and calibration of the HMDS can be completed within two hours. The unique data is stored on the HMDS and units can be replaced on the flight-line without the requirement to re-harmonise the HMDS.

More about Carl Zeiss Optronics (Pty) Ltd

Carl Zeiss Optronics designs, develops and produces state-of-the-art optronic instruments for military and civilian applications. Such instruments are used to monitor, identify and classify, as well as for precise measurement, evaluation and targeting.

As a subsidiary of the globally recognised Carl Zeiss Group, we are armed with years of experience and know-how in optronics, highly accurate optics and precision engineering.

Research and development are very important to us. We are one of the leading developers and manufactures of optical and optronic systems.

With business activities in more than 30 countries, CZO is an ideal partner for multinational projects. We are continually expanding our international activities beyond existing co-operations and partnerships.

CZO systems for land, sea and air forces, as well as for national security organisations are known for their innovative technology. They are custom tailored to operational and logistic requirements. Comprehensive documentation, intensive training and, of course, service throughout the entire lifecycle ensure long-term operational readiness.

Range of products

Army:

* Handheld, eye safe laser rangefinders and target location devices (night and day)
* Eye safe laser range finders with low to high pulse repetition
* Gunnery targeting instruments with gyroscope-stabilized target lines and integrated laser rangefinder for armoured vehicles
* Commander periscope with gyroscope-stabilized target lines and integrated thermal imager for armoured vehicles
* Riflescopes, night vision devices and auxiliary optics for small arms
* Driver's night vision instruments based on night vision goggles and uncooled thermal imagers
* Thermal imaging cameras for small arms
* Sensors and systems for fire control systems
* Targeting optics for handheld antitank weapons
* Handheld target observation and localization systems with integrated visual channel, thermal imager, laser rangefinder, compass and GPS receiver
* Thermal imaging devices for armoured vehicles

Border surveillance and control:

* Optronics sensors and multisensor platforms for mobile and stationary surveillance, e.g. homeland security, borders, industrial facilities and buildings
* Force protection, e.g. camp protection
* Vehicle systems for border surveillance on the basis of e.g. Mercedes Sprinter and G-Model, VW bus
* Surveillance systems for customs and police vessels
* Infrared sights for high speed ferries

Navy:

* Submarine periscopes and optronic mast systems with integrated optronic sensors and gyroscope-stabilized optical line of sight
* Multi-sensor platforms for ships

Air force and aerial reconnaissance:

* Electro-optical reconnaissance systems and thermal imaging cameras for manned and unmanned aircraft
* Targeting and navigation pods for fighter aircraft
* Optical systems for reconnaissance
* Observation and targeting sights for helicopter, unmanned air vehicles and fixed-wing platforms
* State-of-the-art, lightweight helmet-mounted display and tracking systems

Optical systems for aerospace applications:

* Precision mirrors for earth observation
* Cryomechanisms for satellites
* Optics for infrared space applications

CZO develops and produces optronic, optical and precision engineered products for military and civilian applications in Oberkochen and Wetzlar in Germany and Irene in South Africa.