Topsight E

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Topsight E is a helmet-mounted sight (HMD) which displays critical information, protects the pilot, and provides communications. In the display of critical information, Topsight E has three main functions:

  • Visual target designation by transmitting the target’s line of sight to the nav/attack system. Used with modern missiles, Topsight allows pilots to perform wide off-boresight target designation.
  • Visual target acquisition using reverse cueing mode where the display symbology guides the pilot’s eyes to the target tracked by the aircraft sensors. The nav/attack system provides spatial data.
  • Situational awareness based on concise display of vital information (tactical, navigation, safety, etc.).

Topsight E has four integrated operational modes:

  • Navigation is based on ring laser gyro INS with embedded GPS receiver.
  • Air-to-air weapon delivery includes guns, rockets and high- and low-drag bombs, using continuous computation of impact point (CCIP) and continuous computation of release point (CCRP).
  • Training includes failure simulations, as well as target and threat simulations.


  • The Topsight HMD was part of the Topflight avionics suite by French Sextant Avionique (with HUD, two MFDs, mission management computer, DMG and LINS) which was part of the so-called "MiG-21UPG" upgrade for MiG-21. This upgrade also improved Phazotron radar and Israeli-built DASS and COMMS systems. [1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ [3.0] Upgrades, Experimentals, & Summary