DHAKA: A new smart helmet that allows fighter pilots to see in the dark via an integrated night vision camera has been unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow.

The Striker II, built by BAE Systems, features a visor that also acts as a high-definition display, which can project useful information to the user.

This includes data about targets and the co-ordinates of objects below, reports the BBC.

The helmet also boasts head-tracking technology. It has been described as a ‘significant advance’ by one expert.

Previous generations of fighter pilot helmets have been fitted with exterior night vision goggles, which added to the overall weight on a pilot’s head.

The Striker II, which builds on its predecessor’s ‘x-ray’ display, moves night vision inside the helmet by using an image from a digital camera that is relayed through the helmet mounted display on the visor.

Night vision is vital to pilots when they are flying in close formation, refueling in mid-air, assisting troops on the ground, and even launching a ground attack.

Chris Colston, director of business development at BAE, says the first role of a helmet is still to keep pilots safe, but adds Striker II also provides ‘all of the capability all of the time’.

“The pilot must still be able to eject from the aircraft at speeds of up to 600 knots, but we can then add technology to increase the situational awareness of the pilot.”

Previously pilots were faced with a screen resolution that was inferior to what they call ‘mark one eyeball’ - the human eye.

BDST: 1009  HRS, JULY 17, 2014