NHIndustries selects Thales’ TopOwl helmet system for NH90 pilots

NHIndustries has selected the TopOwl digital display helmet for the special forces variant of the NH90 helicopter.  

TopOwl has also been selected for the Standard 3 variant of the Tiger combat helicopter, which has been developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain.

Thales’ TopOwl helmet system uses augmented reality to enhance the operational capabilities of combat helicopter pilots, particularly when flying in degraded visual environments.

The TopOwl helmet has been in service since 2005 and has a reputation for combat-proven performance in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali and other theatres of operation.

The new digital generation helmet offers higher-definition rendering, state-of-the-art digital technologies, cybersecurity and live lossless video streaming to expand the helicopter’s flight envelope in degraded visual environments.

According to Shephard Defence Insight, TopOwl has a wide FOV in a light helmet and is compatible with CBRN kits, HUDs and aircrew equipment. The display module projects IR and NVG imagery plus flight and weapons aiming symbology onto the visor.

TopOwl reduces pilot fatigue and enables crewmembers to cooperate more efficiently by displaying relevant information in the pilot’s line of sight and incorporating a spatialised audio alert system and ambient noise reduction technology.

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.