WASP®

Next-Generation Aircrew Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) System

Thales’ WASP®, an advanced prototype wide field-of-view binocular HMD, supports combat aircrews operating both enduring fleet platforms and advanced platforms such as Future Vertical Lift and next-generation rotorcraft. It is Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) compliant, enabling seamless platform integration, low-impact display enhancements, and simple software based capability insertion for future upgrades. WASP features high-accuracy, low-latency motion tracking and an optimized center of gravity to enhance pilot endurance and mission safety.

Operational Advantages

• Binocular, no boresight, auto-alignment, or auto-harmonization
• Day/Night/NVG compatible, full color, and OSA-aligned
• Adaptable to advanced/future digital night vision solutions
• MOSA compliant, simple integration into current architecture
• Supports advanced HMD computing solutions for increased processing and Design Assurance Level (DAL) applications.
• Compatible with the common Gentex HGU-56P helmet shell without any physical modification to the helmet shell or compromise of helmet shell integrity
• Coordinated tactical responses are powerfully supported with the simultaneous ability for air and ground assets to identify, exchange, share, and visually display critical information in real time.
• Agnostic and adaptable to various other helmet shells

The WASP lightweight and modular binocular HMD supports flight in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE). WASP’s full-color HMD system is capable of displaying essential information to support day, night, and night vision goggle flight profiles, as well as “heads up, eyes out” profiles. Pilots experience zero latency during day and night operations with WASP providing a truly immersive experience and real-time updates. WASP displays terrain, aircraft performance, route, and EO/IR/DAS sensor data, and critical flight symbology. WASP also aligns with the host aircraft, so there is no need to boresight the HMD system. With WASP’s alignment solutions, adjustments to the displays in flight will not affect alignment of the displays.

WASP leverages digitized Hybrid Optical Inertial Tracking (HObIT) technology to deliver precise head-tracking for pilots. When combined with full-color conformal symbology and augmented reality, it replicates the immediate environment. Unlike magnetic-based systems, WASP® provides unmatched visual consistency and tracking accuracy, even in the most demanding conditions—ensuring enhanced situational awareness. As a MOSA-compliant system, WASP is designed to evolve with changing mission and capability needs. Its low-complexity design also enables field-level repairs, reducing logistical burdens and spare parts requirements.