JHMCS

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Capt. Dan Haley performs an operational check on the new Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, ensuring there is no air leakage and the air to ground communication works properly Aug. 9, 2010. Pilots prefer the JHMCS helmet to the older model because it enhances their overall situational awareness and allows them to quickly cue the targeting pod. Captain Haley, 336th Fighter Squadron F-15 E Strike Eagle pilot, is from Tully, N.Y. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

JHMCS

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Senior Airman Kevin Boyne custom fits Capt. Dan Olthoff’s Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System here Aug. 9, 2010. The 4th Operations Support Squadron life support specialists fit each pilot with a JHMCS and visor guaranteeing a perfect fit and also making the helmet more comfortable and light weight. Airman Boyne, 4th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment craftsman, is from Charlotte. Captain Oltthoff, 336th Fighter Squadron F-15 E Strike Eagle pilot, is from Atlanta. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

JHMCS

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Senior Airman Kevin Boyne uses an electric sander to grind down the visor of a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System Aug. 9, 2010. Each visor is custom-fitted to a pilot’s facial features to ensure a comfortable fit, also protecting their face against sun and wind. Once fitted correctly the helmet display unit allows images to be projected on the pilot’s visor and includes the ability to be reconfigured in-flight to meet night vision requirements. Airman Boyne, 4th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment craftsman, is from Charlotte. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

JHMCS

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. – Capt. Dan Olthoff completes a test that measures the distance between his pupils while wearing a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System Aug. 9, 2010. Once measured, an image will display directly over the pilot’s pupil on the inside of the visor, highlighting the JHMCS ability to display cueing symbology for navigation, weapons and targeting sensors. Captain Olthoff, 336th Fighter Squadron F-15 E Strike Eagle pilot, is from Atlanta. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Makenzie Lang)

'Rockets' enhance capabilities with JHMCS

Published Aug. 12, 2010
By By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The concept is like something out of a movie, the ability to find a target from a jet cockpit with the naked eye and lock onto it simply by fixing your gaze upon it. This science fiction concept has become reality at the 336th Fighter Squadron.

The 4th Operations Support Squadron aircrew fight equipment technicians who support the 336th FS have spent the past few months equipping "Rocket" pilots with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System.

The JHMCS integrates a magnetic helmet mounted tracker that determines where the pilot's head is pointed with a miniature display system that projects information onto the pilot's visor. Together the head tracker and visor display act as a targeting device that can aim sensors and weapons wherever the pilot is looking.

"JHMCS is a force multiplier that significantly improves the speed and agility with which F-15E aircrew can find, fix, track, target and engage on the battlefield," said Lt. Col. Charles Wallace, 4th Operations Squadron commander. "It's the next step in advanced sensor integration and man-machine interface in the cockpit."

"The JHMCS interface provides visual information from the aircraft such as basic flight parameters, sensor and targeting information from the crewmate and other aircraft's location and targeting information," said Capt. Matt Swanson, 336th Fighter Squadron Weapons Flight commander. "It puts needed information in front of your eye so that you can quickly find those locations on the ground, and maneuver the aircraft to support the ground commander."

The F-15E pilot's use of the system enhances the aircrew's ability to engage threats facing ground troops and reduce collateral damage.

"It allows F-15E aircrew to provide unparalleled support to the ground troops in the close-air-support environment," Captain Swanson said. "The crew will be able to quickly cue sensors and identify friendly locations. The enhanced aircrew coordination and seamless system integration will increase accuracy while shortening the employment chain."

Although aircrew flight equipment technicians and aircrew members had to overcome some initial challenges in equipment maintenance and training, the implementation process has gone smoothly.

"Everyone involved is fully aware of the importance getting this absolutely right" Colonel Wallace said. There is a huge sense of pride in the opportunity for the Rockets to be the first JHMCS operational F-15E squadron, and we are confident that they will prove the JHMCS combat value immediately.

In fact, the expectation is that once proven, JHMCS' combat utility will help provide the leverage necessary to fully fund F-15E JHMCS integration.

"We are definitely looking forward to the possibility of achieving the full synergy and capability of JHMCS by outfitting all F-15E pilots and WSOs (on base) in the future," Colonel Wallace said.

The aircrew members recognize the effort Team Seymour has put into the successful implementation of the JHMCS at the 336th FS.

"The JHMCS modification has only been possible with the hard work of the aircrew flight equipment technicians, maintainers and avionics specialist Airmen," Captain Swanson said.