BAE Systems’ (www.baesystems.com) most advanced fighter-pilot helmet — the Striker II Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) — has successfully completed further trials at the aerospace group’s facility in Rochester, Kent. This was the second phase of trials to integrate this technology with the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet.

Chris Colston, business-development director (advanced displays) at BAE Systems, said: “The successful second phase builds upon last year’s trials, which proved the maturity of our digital night-vision technology.

"The major benefit of the Striker II solution is its ‘plug and play’ integration with existing aircrafts’ analogue electronics, as proven on the Typhoon without requiring any physical modification of the aircraft’s hardware.

"Striker II’s advanced engineering allows the pilot to easily engage high-precision target tracking while providing “superior situational awareness and mission effectiveness.

"With its integrated night-vision capability, pilots also benefit from the advantages of an advanced helmet system in any lighting condition.”

Peter Kosogorin, a test pilot for BAE Systems, said: “This phase of testing is a significant milestone on the path to full integration of Striker II with the Typhoon jet.

"Striker II is a real ‘step change’ for the fighter pilot. It removes the need for separate heavy night-vision goggles that increase the pressure on the pilot’s head and neck, so aircraft manoeuvrability is no longer limited.”