Color, High Brightness...Dual Use...Program Goal..Market success in Phase III is necessary to provide a commercial infrastructure that defense integrators can access to produce military versions of the new miniature displays to be developed under this effort. (Are we there yet?...No)

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Fighter Bomber (FB)

Objective:�� A high luminance miniature display that simplifies head-mounted display (HMD) applications for pilots and special tactics operators.

Description:�� Defense applications for miniature displays in combat include fighter/bomber aircraft pilots and ground-based forward air controllers.� There is a critical need for a miniature display, based on any technology that does not require high voltage, to replace miniature cathode ray tubes (CRT) in combat pilot helmet mounted display (HMD) systems.� Special tactics operators on the ground, work as a team with combat pilots and require displays to provide them a common picture of the tactical battlespace with the pilots they control.� One military-unique application is the potential replacement of miniature CRTs in Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) tactical fighter helmets. Any display device design approach may be proposed, including light valve, direct-write, and emissive.� Each approach must be capable producing an image that is wide-angle (quasi-Lambertian) in intensity distribution.� Monochrome green is sufficient initially, but a realistic pathway to color is highly desirable.� The device should ultimately be capable of ultrahigh luminance of 24,000 cd/m2 (7,000 fL) in day mode, yet also, very dim operation in night mode of 0.1 cd/m2 (0.03 fL); the electronics to achieve this dynamic range should be affordable. Lower weight, volume, and power than current microdisplays is highly desirable. The device technology should be capable of generating a resolution of at least 1.3 megapixels per frame for an image size of about 15 mm.��� Also, a version that has ultra-low weight and power requirements is sought for dismounted forward air operations controllers.

Currently fielded HMDs that produce a virtual image viewable through a clear visor in daylight conditions use miniature CRT display technology.� The miniature CRTs require high voltage, complexity, and cost.� The high voltage forces the use of an additional power supply, special wiring in the cable from the helmet to off-body electronics mounted in the aircraft or portable unit, and elaborate safety components to avoid shock and fire hazards.� Furthermore, the miniature CRTs add weight, consume considerable power, complicate the design of the HMD optics, take up valuable space in the helmet, and require expensive optical coatings on the see-through visor to achieve sufficient image contrast in high ambient illumination conditions.

There are no currently fielded HMDs for the special tactics combined air operations controllers working on the ground to guide joint service air strikes.

Phase I:�� A manufacturable design is to be developed that takes into account issues including reliability and maintainability for environments typical of both the defense and commercial electronics markets. This design should include a roadmap leading to a Phase II prototype and Phase III products, both civil and military. A realistic commercialization plan is mandatory and should describe a series of initially simple, but ever more sophisticated, product introductions over time.

Phase II:�� A prototype miniature display is to be delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory for evaluation along with a revised roadmap for Phase III commercialization and transition.� Characteristics desired in this prototype are as follows: (a) no-high voltage power supply for components mounted on the head or worn on the body; (b) capable of generating an image viewable through a clear visor against daylight illumination conditions; (c) potential for follow-on integration with night vision, goggle, and imaging systems.� The Phase II prototype should be sufficient to evaluate the potential to develop products to meet the needs for combat aircraft pilots teamed with their special tactics battle space air operations controllers on the ground.� The prototype must also demonstrate the potential for success in one or more civil commercial markets.��

Dual Use Commercialization Potential: Phase III is expected to result in a manufacturable device meeting or exceeding the specification from an original equipment manufacturer of civil or military products. Displays are dual use and it is anticipated that commercial applications will also be developed for miniature display markets including but not limited to camcorder viewfinders, presentation projectors, and near-eye viewers as peripheral options for wearable electronics. Market success in Phase III is necessary to provide a commercial infrastructure that defense integrators can access to produce military versions of the new miniature displays to be developed under this effort.