THALES’s Topowl Helmet System: The New Choice for NH90 Special Forces Pilots
NHIndustries has selected the advanced TopOwl Digital Display helmet from Thales for the special forces variant of the NH90 helicopter. This variant has been developed in response to the requests of the French defense procurement agency (DGA) to fulfill the needs of France’s special forces, and it is also accessible to partner nations and other NH90 clients. The new generation of Thales’s TopOwl helmet system employs augmented reality to enhance the operational features of combat helicopter pilots, particularly when navigating in severely degraded visual scenarios. Additionally, TopOwl has been chosen for the Standard 3 upgrade of the Tiger combat helicopter, collaboratively developed by France, Germany, and Spain.
Special forces units are meticulously trained to gather intelligence and execute operations behind enemy lines. Enhancements to the NH90 for special forces substantially elevate mission capabilities, positioning the new variant among the highest-performing tactical transport helicopters globally, particularly in extreme environmental conditions such as brownout, whiteout, fog, and nighttime operations.
The TopOwl helmet has been operational since 2005 and has proven its effectiveness in numerous theaters of combat. The latest digital version provides high-definition rendering and real-time lossless video streaming, broadening the helicopter’s operational envelope in degraded visual environments. It utilizes cutting-edge digital technologies and is designed with cyber security in mind.
TopOwl Digital Display diminishes pilot fatigue and facilitates crew collaboration, which is essential for success on challenging missions. It achieves this by presenting relevant information directly in the pilot’s field of vision while incorporating a spatial audio alert system and ambient noise reduction technology.
This helmet also provides unmatched flight safety features for non-line-of-sight operations through a blend of augmented reality, synthetic terrain data, and inputs from 2D and 3D cameras alongside various sensors. Designed for both daytime and nighttime missions, it aids pilots during landings under extremely degraded conditions, including brownout, whiteout, heavy fog, and dark night operations.
The customized helmet-fitting system adapts the helmet to the unique head shape of each pilot, while the hardware design of the latest-generation TopOwl helmet has been further improved for simpler integration, reduced power consumption, and lighter overall weight. Enhanced connection cables streamline crew-member egress from the helicopter in emergencies, particularly in case of sea ditching.
