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Even though its nature is a light fighter jet, Poland is preparing the FA-50PL Fighting Falcon with leading features and a complete weapons package. Understandably, Poland, which borders Ukraine, is worried about being affected by the war.
Apart from being equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an air refueling system, there is the latest news that the FA-50 ordered by Poland will be equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) made by Thales.
From a press release received by Indomiliter.com (17/10/2023), it was stated that Korea Aerospace Industries (KA) as the manufacturer of the FA-50 had chosen the Thales Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) as equipment for pilots on the FA-50 fighter aircraft for Poland.
The Thales Scorpion HMD will improve the visual capabilities of FA-50 pilots in real-time through advanced hybrid inertial optical tracking.
Additionally, the Thales Scorpion HMD will enhance situational awareness to ensure mission success. In a release, Thales said that the Thales Scorpion HMD has also been used on helicopters produced by KAI such as Light Armed and Marine Attack Helicopters.
Under the terms of the contract, Thales is responsible for adapting, integrating and qualifying the Scorpion HMD into the FA-50 Fighting Eagle system that KAI is producing. Apart from that, Thales will also prepare a production system to support the FA-50 contract ordered by Poland.
With a digital cockpit, digital flight control system and an impressive array of precision-guided weapons, the FA-50 is claimed to be able to carry out combat operations in all weather, day and night. The Thales Scorpion is an ideal device as it offers a modern digital platform that equips pilots with enhanced situational awareness.
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| Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) Scorpion |
The Thales Scorpion HMD is said to be highly accurate featuring full-color symbology, zero latency, and a single display module for day and night operation – all at lower life-cycle costs.
The movement tracking accuracy of this sophisticated aviator helmet is supported by Scorpion's precise Hybrid Optically-based Inertial Tracker (HObIT). Thales estimates this contract is just the beginning, as the FA-50 has export potential for customers around the world.
In addition to integration into the FA-50, Thales said the Scorpion is very suitable for easy adaptation of the T-50i Golden Eagle and TA-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer fighter jets. In the United States, the Thales Scorpion HMD is also used on the F-16, A-10 Thunderbolt and AC-130 Specter fighter jets.