USMC turns to augmented reality for better Osprey pilot safety
The USMC will use the Degraded Visibility Landing System with its MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. (Photo: L3Harris Technologies)
DVLS keeps pilots spatially oriented to the terrain and obstacles and works with existing night vision devices to enable safer landings, says L3Harris.
The USMC has selected augmented reality (AR) technology in a lightweight display and processor from L3Harris Technologies, to mitigate safety risks for MV-22B Osprey pilots in brownouts and other limited-visibility conditions.
The Degraded Visibility Landing System (DVLS) increases situational awareness when landing in reduced visibility landing conditions, the company noted in an 11 August announcement, while the helmet-mounted display and processor integrates into fixed and rotary-wing aircraft such as the CH-53, H-1, H-60 and C-130.
DVLS fuses navigational and sensor data sources with AR to produce a real-time display on a helmet-mounted, flip-down display ‘for an accurate representation of the surrounding terrain and potential flight obstructions’, L3 Harris added.
The system also complies with Future Airborne Capability Environment standards, enabling new sensors and systems to be integrated.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
