| 'Rockets' enhance capabilities with JHMCS |
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| Tuesday, 10 August 2010 |
 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 desired targets," said Lt. Col. Charles Wallace, 4th Operations Squadron commander. "It's the next step in advanced sensor integration and man-machine interface."
This helmet works with several recent and upcoming software upgrades on the F-15E Strike Eagle. "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," 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." Although life support Airmen and aircrew members had to overcome some initial challenges in equipment maintenance and training, the implementation process has gone smoothly. "We've found that in addition to its added capabilities, the JHMCS is also a fundamentally better baseline helmet option," Colonel Wallace said. "Our aircrew and aircrew flight equipment professionals are fully aware of the criticality of preserving this critical resource given its cost and availability. Likewise, everyone involved is fully aware and proud of the opportunity to be the first F-15E squadron to bring JHMCS capability to the battlefield. The current training and maintenance success are right on target and we are confident that JHMCS capability will prove its combat value immediately." 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. Coordination between crewmates will increase while shortening an accurate employment chain." As funding and equipment become available the helmet integration will continue. "We are definitely looking forward to the possibility of full integration of both pilots and WSOs in the F-15E as well as both operational and training squadrons (on base)," Colonel Wallace said. "Ultimately we can't lose track of the fact that JHMCS represents a piece of technology/equipment with combat utility. Airmen and aviators are flawlessly establishing and sustaining its actual combat capability day in and day out." The aircrew members recognize the effort the life support Airmen 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, maintainers and avionics specialist Airmen," Captain Swanson said. |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 12 August 2010 |
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