October 15, 2005: The Department of Defense is upgrading the "look and shoot" helmet displays used by F-15, F-16 and F-18 pilots. Those helmets have information displayed on the visor, and sensors in the helmet, which enables the pilot to look at the target (either another aircraft, or something on the ground) and fire a weapon (missile) that will go after the target being looked at. The upgrades will allow the pilot to also put "head up display" (HUD) information on the helmet visor visual system. This is a big advantage in air combat, where it's always been a problem having to look down at some display or instrument reading, and take your eyes off the surrounding air space. This makes it safer for pilots (especially when flying on the deck, at high speed) and in combat. A similar system is being developed for the F-35.
