VISTA NF-16D programmable display system flight test

The United States Air Force Research Laboratory's NF-16D Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) is a unique aircraft that performs a multitude of missions, including research, development, test, and evaluation in the areas of flying qualities, flight control design, pilot-vehicle interface, and weapons and avionics integration as well as test pilot training. To enhance its mission effectiveness, VISTA has been upgraded through the addition of both a programmable Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) and a programmable Head-Up Display (HUD) in the front cockpit. The programmable HMD system consists of a Marconi Avionics Viper IV Helmet-Mounted Optics Module integrated with a modified Helmet Integrated Systems Limited (HISL) HGU-86/P helmet, the Honeywell Advanced Metal Tolerant tracker, and a Marconi Avionics Programmable Display Generator. This paper describes the developmental flight testing which has recently been completed on VISTA with this programmable HMD system. Lessons-learned in the development, safety-of-flight clearance process, and flight test evaluation of this system are presented.