Saab Electronic Defense Systems is introducing Rigs, a lightweight, compact, enhanced-vision product for business aircraft and helicopters that can display navigation, attitude, flight, reticle and video information to the crew in a head-up display (HUD) presentation. Its open-system architecture makes Rigs ideal for integration into a variety of forward-looking infrared, flight data display and avionics suites.

Rigs conforms to European technical standard order requirements applicable to HUDs for transport aircraft, as well as night-vision-goggle requirements. It can be used simultaneously with NVG and the information can be presented in either red or green, depending on the flight application. Rigs can accept any EVS video format, including infrared.

A key specification for Rigs was that it be complete and compact. It was designed to be installed either as original equipment or as a retrofit, and can be as a stand-alone system or integrated with the aircraft’s existing avionics. Connections include Arinc 429, 
RS422, Ethernet, video input, SMPTE 170M and discrete mode. Installation variations include mounting above and forward of the pilot’s heads or atop the aircraft glare shield.

Saab (Stand 1757) has rigorously tested the Rigs system in a Eurocopter AS350 during day, night and adverse weather conditions.