Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted sight and display system (HMSD) has been adopted by French and US Forces in Afghanistan for enhanced night vision performance and targeting capabilities for helicopter pilots.

The TopOwl HMSD offers both conformal piloting symbology, dark night vision performance and accurate targeting, reducing the high levels of stress during war missions.

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The system can switch directly from intensified image projection to a high-resolution infrared image projection for improved visibility and safe flight operations in degraded visual environments.

16 countries have chosen the HMSD system for deployment on their army, navy and air force attack and transport helicopters.

The HMSD is already installed and fully operational on five major helicopter programmes – Tiger, NH90, Cobra AH-1Z, Huey UH-1Y and Rooivalk.

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