A2627 — OLED Display for F-35 HMD
Objective
This project will develop and demonstrate a manufacturing process to assemble an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display into the existing optical train of the F-35 helmet-mounted display system (HMDS). Government Accountability Office (GAO) report 18-321 (June 2018) stated that the current liquid crystal display (LCD) on F-35 exhibits a characteristic “green glow” during low-light flights, which makes it difficult for the pilot to see the full resolution of the night vision video feed. The GAO report concludes that “Organic light-emitting diode displays avoid this effect by only illuminating the active pixels.” To make the OLED technology affordable, this project is reducing part count, total parts cost, and touch labor in the manufacture of OLED HMDS.
Payoff
In addition to technical performance improvements, this project will demonstrate cost savings in assembly time and parts handling: part count is projected to be reduced by 27 percent, and touch time labor is projected to be reduced by 10 percent through improved tooling concepts. The projected savings are a 21-percent reduction in cost per HMDS, for a total program savings of over $40M. The return on investment is 7.1:1.
Implementation
This ManTech project is integral to the initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C, which is scheduled to be achieved in early 2019. A quantity of 62 OLED flight helmets have been ordered for IOC trials. F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin has planned additional qualification testing, which will take the helmet to a Release Authorization Notice 6 production helmet in 2019.
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https://www.nsamcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019-Navy-ManTech-ProjectBook.pdf
IOC next Month (Feb 2019) :
Navy's F-35C on Track to Be Combat Ready Next Month
There have been no reported delays in the service's F-35C reaching initial operating capability (IOC) next month, Navy spokeswoman Lt. Lauren Chatmas told Military.com on Friday.
The Joint Strike Fighter Fleet Integration Office "is confident in meeting milestones as planned," Chatmas said.
While no official February date has been announced, the work "is still on target, still proceeding as planned," she said.
eMagin 3Q 2018 10Q Page 19 New Business:
We made progress with the OLED upgrade to a production helmet for a multi-service, multi-country, fixed wing aircraft program. Our OLED displays will be replacing the LCD displays currently employed in these helmets. Displays required for Initial Operational Capability are scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter. We continue to progress toward Limited Rate Initial Production.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1046995/000104699518000021/eman-20180930x10q.htm
