"Sounds Interesting" - Terma and BAE Systems Collaborate on Helmet Audio Advances

April 13, 2015

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Lystrup, Denmark, April 13, 2015 – Terma is to integrate its Active Noise Reduction (ANR) and 3D-Audio technologies with BAE Systems' pilot helmets. The two companies have signed an agreement to improve pilots' situational awareness, which may also eventually benefit land vehicle operators.

Airborne or acoustically transmitted noise is always present in aircraft, but measures can be taken to reduce it. Terma's Active Noise Reduction is highly adaptable and supports even the noisiest aircraft platforms. The technology can reduce pilot fatigue, hearing loss and improve speech intelligibility.

3D-Audio helps pilots deal with threat warnings within a complete 360 degree sphere of the aircraft. It alerts them from the exact direction of the danger and also when a threat changes path, which is particularly important in the case of missiles. Pilots with access to 3D-Audio can initiate instant evasive manoeuvres – without the need to process any information mentally.

Over the next three years the firms will initially work on a 3D-Audio/ANR headset for demonstration with BAE Systems’ helmet, followed by final product development. Terma and BAE Systems will then perform aircraft integration and certification before serial helmet production commences.

President and CEO at Terma, Jens Maaloe said: "As a result of this agreement with BAE Systems, we expect to gain access to a significant market and increase exposure for these technologies globally. We look forward to the collaboration, which will also contribute to the further development and improvement of our Active Noise Reduction and 3D-Audio products."

Group Business Development Director at BAE Systems, Alan Garwood added: "Today's announcement is further evidence of our strong links with Danish industry and Terma in particular. Combining our expertise will keep our market-leading pilot helmets at the cutting edge of technology. As well as investing finance and intellectual property in the project, BAE Systems will provide exposure to our global customer network for these two Terma technologies."

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)