Head-up display for Space Shuttle Orbiter

Abstract

The very nature of Orbiter's approach and landing task must lead to a discussion of a Head-up Display (HUD) as an aid to this task. HUD has been proposed for Orbiter several times since 1970. However, all previous proposals to add HUD to the Orbiter avionics were defeated due to lack of sophistication and accuracy in state-of-the-art HUD systems, a simpler anticipated Orbiter landing task, and the anticipated role of autoland in the Orbiter approach and landing. Recent advances in HUD state-of-the-art and a more realistic understanding of Orbiter flight and handling characteristics make HUD a viable addition to the Orbiter avionics.