RAF targets 2027–28 for fielding Striker II HMD on Typhoon

The Striker II HMD should be operational aboard RAF Eurofighter Typhoons from 2027–28, a senior service official said at the Royal International Air Tattoo. (BAE Systems)

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) expects to field the BAE Systems Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD) aboard its Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft before the end of the decade.

Speaking at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023 air show held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Group Captain Matthew D'Aubyn, Air Capability Typhoon programme director, said the RAF and BAE Systems “are working hard” for an entry into service of the Striker II in 2027–28.

“For Striker II we are expecting to enter service in 2027–28. That's why we are working really hard with our BAE Systems colleagues to get that final business case presented this year and to ensure continuity from that [development] phase one period into the [fielding] phase two,” Gp Capt D'Aubyn said on 14 July.

First unveiled to Janes in 2014, the Striker II is billed by the company as an all-digital HMD solution that delivers “all of the performance all of the time without the need for transition [between day and night modes of operation]”.

The key differentiator between Striker II and earlier models is that the new helmet replaces the clip-on night-vision goggles (NVGs) with a fully integrated digital night-vision camera. This sensor data is presented to the pilot via a binocular visor-projected display at “a level equal to or better than HMDs using current NVGs”, according to BAE Systems. Striker II also includes hybrid opto-inertial head-tracking technology, which eliminates lag, enabling symbology to be accurately presented onto the visor.