US Pilot with JHMCS Helmet

PJ Productions, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard’s 1/72 scale Storm Shadow missiles are available online from Squadron.com

The Boeing Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) combines a magnetic head tracker with a display projected onto a pilot's visor, giving the pilot a targeting device that can be used to aim sensors and weapons wherever the pilot is looking. It does so by synchronizing aircraft sensors with the user's head movements so they automatically point where the pilot looks and displaying flight information on the inside of the helmet visor so data is always in view.

On Aug. 29, 2003, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded Boeing a $24 million contract to produce 100 JHMCS destined for the U.S. Air Force F-15 and F-16 aircraft and the Navy’s F/A-18E/F aircraft.
The system’s first operational use was during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Customers for the system include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Turkey and Switzerland.

Source: Boeing

PJ Production offers a substantial range of resin aircrew in 1/48 and other scales too, and have recently expanded their range with the JHMCS equipped pilot figure reviewed here.

The parts come packaged in a simple zip-lock plastic bag with card header.

The figure is divided into head & torso, trunk & legs, one left arm and a choice of two right arms. I suspect the right arm choice is to suit either centre-stick or side-stick equipped aircraft.

There are no instructions, but then none are needed, as the picture inserted in the pack provides one example of how the figure should be painted. The figure is nicely mastered and authentic in appearance. The resin parts are all good quality and easily removed from their pour-stubs.

We are lucky to have PJ’s range of aircrew, as many aftermarket accessory companies do not bother with personnel, whilst most kit offerings leave much to be desired. Cast resin is also an ideal medium for small figures, with superior results compared to injection moulding.

This is a very nicely mastered pilot figure that will suit subjects appropriate for a JHMCS equipped pilot. I definitely recommend it.

Thanks to PJ Production for the samples and images.

Review Text & Black Background Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
Page Created 25 March, 2016
Last updated 25 March, 2016

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