November 7, 2024 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Denmark based high-tech Terma Group was awarded a $9 million contract to supply its 3D-Audio system to the U.S. Air Force Combat Command’s F-16s. An upgrade that will be stretched over the next two years.
Terma has been awarded a $9 million contract for its Self-Protection System (SPS) business area to equip U.S. Air Force Combat Command’s F-16 fighter aircraft with its 3D-Audio system. Over the next two years, the Air Combat Command will upgrade its fleet of F-16’s with Terma's innovative and mission-critical equipment.

Terma’s 3D-Audio system, compatible with all aircraft types, provides high-fidelity digital audio signals by spatially separating radio signals, aligning audio with threat directions, and integrating active noise reduction. This advanced technology is designed to eliminate the “crowded-room” effect, allowing pilots to respond quickly and accurately during missions.

The 3D Audio and Radio Separation functions offer pilots the only end-to-end solution for optimizing the overall sound field in aircrew helmets. As pilots are presented with various sound inputs, including ground-control radio calls and warning signals, the 3D separation allows the audio input to be separated into different areas of a pilot’s sound field. This makes the overall audio experience more natural and less stressful.

By implementing the 3D audio and Radio Separation functions, the aircrew can distinguish important calls or warning signals from non-important ones so they can focus on performing mission-critical actions.

Headtracking intelligently positions an audio source relative to the listener’s head, creating a real-time audio simulation of the audio environment. If the sound is placed in different positions in the sound field, it becomes easier for the pilot to discern where the audio is coming from and the relative importance of the call.

Terma Group develops products and systems for defense and non-defense security applications; including command and control systems, radar systems, self-protection systems for aircraft, space technology, and aerostructures for the aircraft industry.