NHIndustries selects Thales’ TopOwl helmet system for NH90 pilots
Thales TopOwl. (Photo: Thales)
NHIndustries has chosen Thales’ TopOwl digital display helmet for special forces 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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
![Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028]()
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
