F-16 fighters will receive a 3D audio system for faster and clearer notification of pilots

The US Air Force signed a $9 million contract with the Danish defense company Terma to supply a 3D audio system for F-16 fighters. The 3D Audio system provides high fidelity digital sound thanks to the spatial separation of radio signals, matching the sound with the direction of the threat and active noise cancellation.

Over the next two years, the Air Combat Command will upgrade its fleet of F-16 fighter jets with innovative and mission-critical equipment from Terma. "With this award, the 3D-Audio program continues to be an important cornerstone of our offerings to meet the global community's demand for best-in-class audio systems,&rdash; said Rob Strasser, vice president of Terma Self-Protection Systems.

Compatible with all types of aircraft, the Terma 3D audio system provides high-fidelity digital audio signals by spatially separating radio signals, matching sound to threat directions and integrating active noise cancellation. This advanced technology eliminates the 'crowded room' effect, allowing pilots to react quickly and precisely during missions. The 3D Audio and Radio Separation functions offer pilots a single comprehensive solution to optimize the overall sound field in the crew's helmets.

Various audio inputs are available to pilots, including ground control radio communications and warning signals. 3D separation allows you to divide the incoming audio signal into different zones of the pilot's sound field, which makes the overall sound perception more natural and less stressful. Thanks to the implementation of 3D audio and radio separation functions, the crew can distinguish important calls or warnings from unimportant ones. It leaves room for what matters – focusing on mission-critical actions.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Pilots can make better decisions in critical situations using audio signals in the headphones and visual prompts on the display. The 3D audio system allows pilots to identify threats from missile attack warning systems, radar receivers, laser warning systems and small arms detection systems. The headset allows the listener to perceive and understand the sounds surrounding the pilot.

Head tracking intelligently positions the sound source relative to the listener's head, creating a real-time simulation of the sound environment. Also known as a dynamic sound source, this can be a lifesaver when pilots face threats from RPGs or radar-guided/heat-guided missiles . The advantage of switching to the 3D audio signal separation function is fast and high-quality decision-making.

Pilots are quickly aware of details in critical situations, which makes their reaction 1.5 seconds faster than that of the enemy. It is difficult for pilots to distinguish between different audio signals coming in at the same time. The 3D audio feature allows pilots to separate different sounds, choose which ones to listen to, and focus on them. This provides more focused attention and allows pilots to work with more sources.

Pilots can choose which audio inputs to focus on, allowing them to take in more audio information overall. Simultaneous exposure to sound from several different sources creates a stressful and difficult work environment. By placing the sound in different locations in the sound field, it will be easier for the pilot to determine where it is coming from and the relative importance of the call.