Gunship
19th Jun 2003, 00:50
Pilots of export models of the Swedish Gripen fighter aircraft will wear a helmet partly developed in South Africa, according to an agreement signed at the Paris Air Show.
"Saab Aerospace & BAE Systems today signed an agreement for a new Integrated Helmet Mounted Display System for the Gripen at the Paris Air Show," the two companies said in a statement yesterday.
The helmet, a new design, enables pilots to view, lock and fire on targets using a built-in display.
"The helmet allows greater situational awareness and enables the pilot to react more quickly than has previously been possible," the two companies said.
BAE Systems developed the helmet in partnership with South Africa's Cumulus, a division of Denel's Kentron missile business.
The development was the direct result of the offset agreement between Saab-BAE Systems and the South African government as a result of the latter's purchase of the Gripen as well as the Hawk, another fighter plane.
"The helmet is a further development and refinement of the Striker helmet developed for the Eurofighter by BAE Systems. The Gripen helmet system will now be marketed under the name of Cobra," the statement said.
Lord Bach, Britain's Minister of State Defence Procurement, said the three-way partnership was "another milestone on the road to greater co-operation between our defence industries. This kind of partnership delivers real technological and economic benefits to our countries."
"Saab Aerospace & BAE Systems today signed an agreement for a new Integrated Helmet Mounted Display System for the Gripen at the Paris Air Show," the two companies said in a statement yesterday.
The helmet, a new design, enables pilots to view, lock and fire on targets using a built-in display.
"The helmet allows greater situational awareness and enables the pilot to react more quickly than has previously been possible," the two companies said.
BAE Systems developed the helmet in partnership with South Africa's Cumulus, a division of Denel's Kentron missile business.
The development was the direct result of the offset agreement between Saab-BAE Systems and the South African government as a result of the latter's purchase of the Gripen as well as the Hawk, another fighter plane.
"The helmet is a further development and refinement of the Striker helmet developed for the Eurofighter by BAE Systems. The Gripen helmet system will now be marketed under the name of Cobra," the statement said.
Lord Bach, Britain's Minister of State Defence Procurement, said the three-way partnership was "another milestone on the road to greater co-operation between our defence industries. This kind of partnership delivers real technological and economic benefits to our countries."