USAF F-16s get Israel’s high-tech head-up display after 3D audio system
Elbit Systems of America has been awarded a significant contract from the United States Air Force (USAF) to replace the Wide-Angle Conventional Head-Up Display (WACHUD) used in F-16 Block 40/42 aircraft.
This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract has a ceiling value of up to $89 million, reflecting the USAF’s investment in upgrading its F-16 fleet.
The initial order under this contract, which amounts to over $57.5 million, was received in September 2024.
All work will be carried out in Talladega, Alabama, with deliveries scheduled to continue through September 2027.
Head-up display
The WACHUD, mounted on the F-16’s instrument panel, is crucial in projecting essential flight and mission information.
This system enhances the Airmen’s ability to process information quickly and accurately, ultimately contributing to mission success.
The WACHUD will replace the Diffractive Optic Head-Up Displays used on some F-16s, ensuring modernization across the fleet.
Elbit America’s Senior Vice President of Electronic Systems, Scott Tumpak, emphasized the value of this upgrade, stating, “The new displays not only modernize the aircraft but also standardize the equipment across the USAF’s F-16 fleet. This standardization simplifies management and maintenance for pilots and support teams.”
Moreover, Jimmy Johns, Elbit America’s Vice President of Operations in Talladega, expressed confidence in the local workforce’s capabilities, stating, “Our team has decades of experience working on F-16 avionics and head-up displays. We are excited to contribute to this multi-year program and enhance our aftermarket services.”
F-16’S 3D audio system
In addition to the head-up display improvements, the USAF has contracted Danish defense firm Terma for a $9 million project to implement a cutting-edge 3D audio system for F-16 aircraft.
This advanced audio technology is designed to enhance pilots’ communication and overall situational awareness.
Terma’s 3D-Audio system, compatible with all aircraft types, is engineered to deliver high-fidelity digital audio by spatially separating radio signals.
This feature allows pilots to better hear and respond to critical information during missions.
The system significantly reduces distractions by integrating active noise reduction, enabling pilots to react quickly to threats.
This innovative audio system eliminates the “crowded-room” effect often experienced in tight cockpit environments, allowing pilots to focus on vital communications.
It enables aircrews to distinguish between critical radio calls, warning signals, and less important sounds, improving their situational awareness.
The 3D audio system also assists pilots in identifying various threats, including missile warnings, radar alerts, and laser detection signals.
With the integration of head tracking technology, audio sources are positioned relative to the pilot’s head, creating an immersive audio environment that enhances reaction time in high-pressure situations.
By separating audio inputs and presenting them in a more natural sound field, the 3D audio system empowers pilots to make quicker, more informed decisions.
Research indicates that this technology can improve response times by up to 1.5 seconds, a crucial advantage when facing enemy attacks.
Overall, the contracts awarded to Elbit Systems and Terma signify a commitment to modernizing the F-16 fleet, ensuring that USAF pilots are equipped with the latest technology to enhance their performance and safety during missions.
These upgrades enhance the aircraft’s capabilities and streamline maintenance and operational efficiency across the board.
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