The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) is a modified HGU-55/P

helmet that incorporates a visor-projected Head-Up Display (HUD) to cue weapons and sensors to the target. This new cueing system improves effectiveness in both Air-to-Air

and Air-to-Ground missions. In close combat,

a pilot must currently align the aircraft to shoot at a target. JHMCS allows the pilot to

simply look at a target to shoot. This system projects visual targeting

and aircraft performance information on the back of the helmet's visor,

enabling the pilot to monitor this information without interrupting his field of

view through the cockpit canopy. The system uses a magnetic transmitter unit fixed to

the pilot's seat and a magnetic field probe mounted on the helmet to define helmet

pointing positioning. A Helmet Vehicle Interface (HVI) interacts

with the aircraft system bus to provide signal generation for the helmet display.

This provides significant improvement for close combat targeting and

engagement. The Swiss Air Force will upgrade the fleet of F/A-18's with

JHMCS until 2009. The displayed helmet shell is taped with SOLAS reflective tape.