Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) for an advanced helmet mounted display (HMD) system, called Targo. The new system will be used for the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen E fighter aircraft. The order value is approximately SEK 119 million. Deliveries will take place between 2022 and 2026.
The Targo system will be manufactured and supplied by the Brazilian company AEL Sistemas (AEL), and has also been ordered by Brazil for the Brazilian Air Force Gripen NG fighters.
Pilots equipped with Targo will be able to better locate, track, identify and engage air and ground targets, as the system provides situational awareness and easier engagement options. A helmet mounted visor displays flight information such as altitude and air speed, as well as cueing targets and supplying supporting tracking data to the pilot.
“By aiming the head rather than the entire aircraft at the target, I can rapidly lock sensors and missiles on to the target and thus use the full performance of the missile. This makes it possible to shoot the missile instantaneously after target detection and identification, with eyes on target constantly. The system can also designate targets for the pilot leading to a faster assessment of the tactical situation” says Hans Einerth, Wing Commander Flying at Saab.
HMD-systems are already operational with the current Swedish Air Force Gripen fleet. With the new Targo HMD system for Gripen E, Swedish Gripen pilots will, among other features, get night cueing and display capabilities.
AEL Sistemas S.A (AEL) is a supplier for the Gripen NG in Brazil and a partner in the technology transfer programme as part of the F-X2 programme. AEL will, in addition to delivering the HMD system, also provide the wide area display (WAD) and the head-up display (HUD) for Brazil’s Gripen NG.
