We had VTAS helmet systems in 1977 in the F-4. Needed to be calibrated
prior to flight. Heavy. All it had was an aiming reticle (circle and dot
IIRC) projected on the inside surface of the parabolic visor. The
sidewinder seeker head or the radar could be slaved to the aiming reticle
(as the sidewinder of the day had limited off-boresight capability, it
wouldn't dramatically improve the opportunities for a shot). With a radar
lock, you could move your head around and the reticle would indicate where
the target was.

It didn't have a lot of features that most aviators felt worth exploiting.
The extra couple pounds weren't pleasant at 6+ G. It was hard to maintain,
difficult to keep in cal, and generally fell into disfavor. The F-14 crews
in AIMEVAL used a variation of VTAS and found them very useful, particularly
when using the AGILE missile envelopes. Of course, the machines were
hand-massaged for the exercise ... difficult in the fleet environment.

With the introduction of mega-maneuverable aircraft (F-14, 15, 16, 18) and a
very capable all-aspect missile (AIM-L/M etc) the need for a helmet mounted
sight and off-boresight capability seemed less important and development of
the concept in the US stagnated. Meanwhile the Russians and Israeli's
pressed on with the development. The result was our superior turning
aircraft could be defeated by superior missiles with significant
off-boresight acquisition capability.

The F-18E/F and AIM-9X should correct this imbalance. I'm sure F-15/16 will
be retrofitted with comparable gear.

It's still a superior tactic to shoot 'em in the face and never reach a
merge. Particularly when your aircraft may be incapable of successfully
disengaging from the arena.

R / John

"Yofuri" wrote in message
...
Check here and look for "VTAS". Those pilots sure did yell when we
pounded
those nylon hardpoints into their skulls so their helmet would stay
aligned
with their eyeballs!

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/f4_21.html

Rick

"Lynn in StLou" wrote in message
. ..
Am I correct in saying that our aircraft do not have helmet
mounted sighting system ala the MiG-29? As I understand the
MiG system, if the pilot can see the enemy, he can launch
and be reasonably sure of a kill. AIUI, our system,
especially for I/R AAM, is more limited in off the nose
capability. Information appreciated....could not find what
I was looking for doing Google.

A discussion rages on a car board, of all things.

Thanks
--
Lynn in StLou
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