Implementation of lessons learned in design and evaluation of displays for helmet mounted display systems

The design and evaluation of display symbology for Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), also known as Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (HMCS), for fast jets is not a well established process. Yet a growing data base and the accumulating experience in design and evaluation of display symbology supply some of the fundamental tools that are required for the creation of such a process. Vision System International (VSI), through it's member companies, Kaiser Electronics and Elbit Systems Ltd. Has such experience gained in lab tests and development, studies, simulator evaluations, demonstration programs, flight tests, and operational experience. This paper describes some of the major considerations, guidelines and rules of thumb for the design and evaluation of display symbology for HMCS. While some display symbology issues are controversial, many display characteristics and considerations have been found to be commonly accepted by pilots around the world. This paper presents some of these characteristics and considerations, including: HMCS and HUD symbology compatibility, digital versus analog display formats, preferred display orientation, approaches for combined HMCS-HUD blanking, and personalized HMCS display formats.