The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Boeing a $24 million contract to produce 100 Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) by July 2005.

Boeing will deliver 12 JHMCS systems to the U.S. Air Force for the F-15 and 66 systems for the F-16. The U.S. Navy will receive 22 systems for deployment on the F/A-18E/F. The Royal Australian Air Force will also receive one JHMCS system and engineering support and proposal preparation.

“Moving this incredible system from the production line to the warfighter is a critical priority for Boeing,” said Mike Rietz, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System program manager for Boeing. “JHMCS will significantly improve the pilot’s situational awareness and effectiveness in battle.”

The JHMCS consists of electronics installed in the aircraft and a new helmet that interfaces with them. The JHMCS displays continuous flight information inside the helmet visors and allows for the aiming or deploying of sensors and air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons.

Boeing is the prime contractor and integrator for JHMCS and Vision System International, based in San Jose, Calif., is the major subcontractor.