BAE Systems and Fotoniks partner on Head-Up Display technologies
The two companies will further develop the HUD system at the Fotoniks facility in Ankara, Turkey, for the local and regional market.
“In today’s defence and aerospace environment, having the ability to work with an established in-country or in-region company is essential not only for us but for the end user, especially when it comes to repair and sustainment,” said Jim Garceau, deputy general manager of Communications and Control Solutions at BAE Systems. “Working together with Fotoniks, we have the opportunity to bring the HUD system to full-scale production and sell it as an indigenous capability to allied forces across the region.”
Designed using BAE Systems’ patented waveguide technology, LiteHUD is 60% smaller by volume and up to 50% lighter than a conventional HUD. It has a modular design which allows easy integration into both existing and future cockpits, such as the Hürkuş platform.
“Working collaboratively with BAE Systems locally brings so many benefits to Turkey, including technology transfer, the potential for further job creations, and sustainment within the region,” said Cem Yazicioğlu, general manager at Fotoniks. “Being able to further co-develop this technology in Turkey was important to our decision to work with BAE Systems.”
BAE Systems has been a leader in HUD development and production for more than 50 years, a position gained through continuous investment in technology and innovation. The company has produced over 14,000 head-up displays which have been in service on over 50 different aircraft types in more than 50 countries around the world. BAE Systems displays perform on some of the most advanced and demanding military aircraft, which will now include the Turkish Air Force’s Hürkuş platform.