Aerotronics Variable Focal Distance HUD

Aerotronics was commissioned by the USAF to develop a cost-effective solution for a standalone head up display unit for the F-16. (that did not cost a million dollars). Some of the difficulties involved substituting optical lenses to bring the "infinity" focus of a real HUD to a closer fixed distance, and providing a backlighting system that would be bright enough for dome projection usage. 

The result is a visually stunning replication of the real block 30, 40, 50 F-16 head up display. It is the same form and fit of the real thing. These units are custom made to your focal length specifications. (Please specify the distance from pilots eye point to the out the window screen). Once installed and adjusted, operation is simple.  Simply attach the VGA cable and 12 V power supply, and superimpose the internal calibration screen to the external calibration screen. Connect your ICP (There are pass through cables for ICP usage.)

Now that we have the optical train fine tuned, we are able to apply this technology to other aircraft.  Please inquire if we can accommodate your Simulation project!

CPD News Release

Raytheon to Upgrade U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard F-16 Displays

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has won a contract to upgrade the Center Display Unit (CDU) of U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard F-16 aircraft. The contract includes options for production of up to 120 systems per year for five years.
The Raytheon CDU will replace multiple analog flight instrument displays currently used in the F-16 cockpit with a single large-LCD color display. Advanced technology will provide pilots with new capabilities, including the ability to overlay data from both onboard and remote sensors on a digital moving map, video processing, and two-way data-link situational awareness messaging.
"The CDU will be a significant advance in providing information F-16 pilots need to conduct their missions," said RTSC Customized Engineering and Depot Support Vice President Wayne Iurillo. "Giving them the data they need, when they need it, will help ensure their effectiveness in the battle zone, their ability to protect and support ground forces, and their safety while performing their duties. And that's the ultimate goal."

As a result of this upgrade program, some Air Force and Air National Guard bases have requested simulation CDU to upgrade their current simulators.  Aerotronics has been asked to fulfill this request.

Landing Gear Boxes and DED's

The DED comes in 2 formats: USB and serial.