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Introduction
AH-64 Helmet Mounted Display 
Front/Back seat Apache Pilot Helmet Mounted Display Interface
Introduction

In the course of this project, I acquired valuable experience in both technical project management and leadership within a team context.

 

The AH-64 (Apache) helicopter is an aircraft commonly used in the U.S. Army for a variety of missions. As an assault helicopter, its main capability is providing tactical air support. It's crew consists of two pilots, one in the front seat, who's main duty is to man the aircraft's weapons and one in the back seat who actually pilots the aircraft.

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These pilots utilize a device known as a helmet mounted display (HMD) that allows them to see important flight and weapons information across their natural field of vision rather than down in the cockpit.  

Research
Problem Statement and Research
Eden Scenario.png
Eden Scenario.png
Current Situation

  • Existing HMD: Monocle (single-eye) display used by Apache pilots.

  • Issues Identified: User disorientation, lack of specialized HMD for gunner position.

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Proposed Solution

  • New Design: Visor-based interface.

    • Benefits: More ergonomic presentation of critical information.

    • Ergonomics: Designed to reduce disorientation.

  • Toggleable Interface System:

    • Customizable Display: Tailored to each pilot position (pilot and gunner).

    • Role-Specific Optimization: Ensures task-specific performance.

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Research and Development

  • Data Collection: Unclassified military documents/manuals, reliable online sources.

  • Interviews: Conducted with two helicopter pilots:

    • Former OH-58D Pilot

    • Current AH-64A Pilot

  • Cross-Referencing: Verified online information with pilot interviews.

  • Feature Input: Gathered personal input from pilots on desired features for future HMDs.

Wireframing
Wireframing
Process​

  1. Individual Sketches:

    • Each team member created sketches of their proposed HMD solutions.

    • Focused on addressing user disorientation and ergonomic information presentation.

  2. Collaborative Workshop:

    • Reviewed and discussed each sketch as a team.

    • Integrated the best elements from individual designs into a unified layout.

  3. Wireframing:

    • Created wireframes to visualize the consensus design.

    • Labeled all elements used in the interface for clarity and further refinement.​

wireframe.jpg
​Elements of the Interface:

  1. Primary Display Area: Centralized information for ease of access and minimal eye movement.

  2. Toggle Controls: Allow switching between pilot and gunner interfaces.

  3. Critical Information Overlay: Important data like altitude, speed, and heading.

  4. Communication Panel: Access to radio channels and communication statuses.

  5. Weapons Status: Display of available weaponry and current status.

  6. Sensor Data: Real-time sensor input, including infrared and night vision.

Final Product
Final Product

Back Seat (Pilot) Interface

Pilot-normal.png

Front Seat (Gunner) Interface/IFF

gunner-normal-iff.png

ENVG/Artificial Terrain Interface

gunner nvg art terrain.png
Key Features:

  1. Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) Graphics:

    • Purpose: Distinguishes between friendly and enemy targets.

    • Toggleable: Can be activated or deactivated to reduce screen clutter.

  2. Artificial Terrain Rendering:

    • Purpose: Provides a 3D representation of the terrain.

    • Benefit: Enhances situational awareness, especially in challenging/unfamiliar environments.

  3. Target Acquisition and Designation Software (TADS):

    • Purpose: Facilitates the identification and targeting of enemy assets.

    • Functionality: Seamlessly integrates with other display elements.

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Interface Optimization:

  • Clutter-Free Display: Features can be toggled on/off for a clear and efficient interface.

  • User Clarity: Prioritizes important information based on pilot's needs.

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Back Vs. Front Seat Interface:​​​

  • ENVG Display: Enhanced night vision capabilities for low-light conditions.

  • TADS Display: Provides precise target acquisition and designation.

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  • Front Seat (Gunner) Interface:

    • Optimized for weapon system management and target acquisition.

    • Includes detailed weapon status and target information.

  • Back Seat (Pilot) Interface:

    • Optimized for piloting with features like the attitude ladder and basic weapon status.

    • Focuses more on flight-specific information.

TADS Interface

gunner tads.png
Conclusion
Conclusion

With the help of my team and available informational resources, we were able to create comprehensive solutions to the problems experienced with the current AH-64A HMD. 

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Due to a limited amount of time and accessible resources, we were not able to create an optimized interface for each type of weapon used on an AH-64A (i.e.: missiles, vs. chain gun, etc.) If given the resources and time this would be the logical next step for continuing the project.

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