Vuzix Receives $1 Million for R+D of Holographic Optical Display System

The Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS) program from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) has awarded Vuzix Corporation with a research contract worth $1 million.

The funding is directed towards R&D of advanced holographic optical display solution based on Blade Optical system, a patented technology from Vuzix. The next generation see-through holographic optic and a high definition micro display developed by Vuzix will be applied in Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC). Vuzix has started production deliveries of comparable but present generation equipment for the Battlefield Air Operations Kit.

The $1 million award will fund a development program for prototype systems, which will be combined into a larger PCAS program. PCAS will raise the CAS capabilities for both airborne and JTAC platforms by developing technologies that will supply the supported ground commander with continuous lethality and CAS availability. The system will be designed to decrease potential fratricide and collateral damage and thereby improve the effectiveness and safety of the ground forces.