Developing futuristic dive helmets

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - An Underwater Systems Development project team is in the midst of developing the future of Navy diving this summer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City. Lead engineer Dennis Gallagher's team is developing a high-resolution Divers Augmented Vision Display (DAVD) that can be fixed directly inside a diving helmet. The system enables divers to have real-time visual operational data displays from sector sonar to text messages. The see-through head-up display (HUD) allows for real-time operational data to enable divers to become more effective and safe based on expanded situational awareness and navigation-to-target, instead of having to rely on pre-dive briefings alone. The team is currently working on Phase II – the design of components for both the helmet systems and face masks. In October, divers are scheduled to conduct in-water simulation testing. Phase III will entail the hardening of the system for expanded field testing in FY 2017. (Source: Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City 06/02/16)