The M-346 is the only advanced jet trainer with a fully integrated Helmet Mounted Display (HMD). The new, futuristic device, provides student pilots with a new generation personal avionics system that enables them to develop competency in the use of advanced weapons systems management in operations fully representative of modern combat aircraft, making their training even more cost effective. Fully integrated into the M-346 aircraft avionics systems and the ground based mission simulators, the HMD is particularly effective in those missions where the trainee employs the Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) for sensor and weapons systems training. In these missions the HMD demonstrates its outstanding capability to augment the pilot’s Situational Awareness (SA), both in Air-To-Air and Air-To-Ground missions.  Optically integrated with the M-346 Head-Up Display (HUD), the M-346 HMD provides training in the combined use of HMD and HUD provided information, employing both on and off boresight targeting techniques. The M-346 HMD is particularly effective during off boresight “target tracking”; tactical symbology is displayed on the helmet visor and provides targeting and tracking information in direct view allowing the student to concentrate on performing tactical maneuvers and weapon release in pursuit of his mission objective.

The HMD is very useful and effective also for training back seat crew considering that the M-346, unlike its competitors, is able to train also Weapon System Officers from the rear seat, with a dedicated suite of equipments.

The M-346 HMD is also equipped with a click-on night module which permits an easy mechanical integration with all the most common night-vision goggle models.       The system is designed and integrated to be easy-to-use and maintain; no schedule maintenance tasks are required. The HMD support tools allow the re-configuration of the navigation and tactical symbology to represent various operational aircraft systems.

Alenia Aermacchi press release