CEVS’ Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ completes CDR

Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), the joint venture between Elbit Systems of America and Collins Aerospace, has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) for the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+), Collins’ parent company RTX announced on 12 December 2025.

The Zero-G HMDS+ has been tailored specifically to meet US Navy (USN) requirements under the Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (IJHMCS) programme. This focuses on adapting and integrating the advanced Zero-G HMDS+ into the USN’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, ensuring they benefit from enhanced operational capabilities that align with the USN’s mission needs.

The Zero-G HMDS+ is a sixth-generation helmet-mounted display (HMD) that provides a fully immersive, high-definition view of the battlespace, enabling aircrew to make split-second decisions at high speeds with superior situational awareness to enhance mission effectiveness and survivability. The system builds on CEVS’ legacy of delivering fourth- and fifth-generation HMDSs and combines combat-tested tracking and low-latency technologies with a cutting-edge display to deliver accurate, real-time information.

“The superiority of the Zero-G HMDS+ is in its ability to fuse mission data, sensor video and weapon system information while serving as a primary flight instrument,” RTX stated.

“Aircrew health and safety is our number one priority,” Captain Joseph Kamara, the Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202) programme manager, was quoted as saying in an RTX press release. “The Zero-G being integrated through our IJHMCS program promises to relieve aircrew of neck and back strain and greatly improve ejection safety. We are excited to be at the leading edge of safety and technology, and this important milestone is a critical step toward deploying this capability for our F/A-18 and EA-18 aircrew.”

“Zero-G is providing sensor fusion at the edge,” added Luke Savoie, Elbit America’s president and CEO and CEVS board member. “This system is critical technology, while remaining lightweight. As fighter aircraft level up, the HMDs of those systems need to as well. Zero-G provides unmatched head-up, sixth-generation battle management capabilities.”

“When our team began working on the Zero-G HMDS+, our goal was to provide aircrew with the safest, most advanced helmet system on the market,” said Collins Aerospace’s Daniel Karl, co-general manager of CEVS. “This milestone confirms our helmet is ready for the next phase of development and brings us one step closer to delivering this advanced capability to naval aviators.”

The programme will now begin rigorous airworthiness testing and full integration with aircraft avionics and mission systems, with an initial operational capability expected in 2027. The system is planned to be fielded on all operational USN and Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets and Growlers, totalling more than 750 aircraft.