Farnborough 2026: BAE Systems showcases future pilot helmet technology for sixth-generation combat aircraft

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BAE Systems has showcased new pilot helmet technology for the ‘sixth-generation' of combat aircraft now being developed.

Launched at the Farnborough International Airshow running from 20 to 24 July 2026, Project Intuity is a demonstrator programme for future of helmet-mounted display (HMD) systems for ‘sixth-generation' combat aircraft such as that being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and other international efforts.

“In modern multi-domain battlespaces, information advantage and decision speed are critical to mission success,” BAE Systems said ahead of the biennial event. “BAE Systems' Project Intuity demonstrator showcases the future of helmet-mounted systems as an extension of sixth-generation platforms, with integrated battlespace visualisation projected straight onto the pilot's visor.”

As noted by the company, the new HMD concept is designed to filter, prioritise and present battlespace data to give pilots immediate immersive situational awareness. BAE Systems describes it as having double the display area of current HMDs and quad high-definition resolution, with the extended field of view ensuring critical safety, sensor and targeting information is presented directly in the pilot's line-of-sight.

“The integrated HMD demonstrator integrates crew protection, a wide area display, head tracking, 3D audio cueing, and a future-ready architecture to support the anticipated needs of sixth-generation fighter pilots,” BAE Systems said, adding, “The system is also designed to support live virtual constructive training and future autonomous collaborative platform cueing. It also provides a platform to explore and mature additional capabilities, including display optics and eye tracking.”

With computer modelling, improved microelectronics, and the leveraging of platform sensors and novel protection materials all contributing towards making the HMD significantly lighter than existing systems, BAE Systems said that the technology showcased in the demonstrator can be integrated into new products or retrofitted into existing systems.