GDR 99 - Land Systems

A Clear View of the World: Helio Optics


Section Articles
• Land Warriors • The Grizzly & the Wolverine • Expanding Engineering Paradigms • Wagons on a Roll: Freightliner • A Clear View: Helio Periscopes • Power Savings: Plustech • Building Bridges: EWK • Science & Survival: DERA • Feeding the Force: Have-a-Pack • Swedish Workhorse: Volvo
Top: Collimation of M1A2 commander's periscope for General Dynamics Land Systems.

Helio is a recognised authority in the design and manufacture of unit-vision periscopes for a wide range of AFVs.

Helio AFV Optics has developed a complete range of periscopes that have a five-year warranty and are capable of incorporating single and multi-line laser filters. To reduce initial equipment costs, these filters can be fitted at a later date depending on requirements, or to meet new battlefield threats.

Helio unit-vision systems contain many features, including non-reflection of incident light, black ceramic coating to reduce eye fatigue, inner-face black-out blinds to prevent egress of light from within the vehicle, and stabilised glass to maintain vision after nuclear flash. Glass is mounted in either aluminium alloy, steel, or DMC housings, a ballistic air gap between the two prisms absorbs impact and blast if the object prism is struck.

Helio periscopes are designed to permit quick replacement in the event of damage. In some cases field repairs can be undertaken. Vision block or window assemblies also can be supplied to customer specifications as required. Helio is the recognised UK design authority for all AFV periscopes.

It is the first-choice supplier to a wide range of internationally-recognised programmes including Vickers in the UK for its Challenger series of vehicles, Alvis (UK) for its CVR(T) range, Hagglunds in Scandinavia for its CV90 range, and General Dynamics in the US for the MIA2 MBT programme. Helio is also an authority on the design and manufacture of ballistic and non-ballistic cowls with or without heated windows and wash/ wipe systems.


Helio offers a comprehensive CAD facility, including 3D solid modelling and the ability to carry out prototype development and testing prior to manufacture

Tel: +44 (0) 181 319 7500 Fax: +44 (0) 181 319 7526

The advantages of Helio glass periscopes over acrylic include a patented silvering process that gives increased reflectivity and light transmissions for cleaner, brighter vision; reliability Ð no solar-radiation defects or delamination damage; reparability, and ballistic immunity.

For over 50 years engineering excellence has been the Helio hallmark and innovation has kept the company at the forefront of its industry. Dedication to technical detail and customer commitment has enabled the company to expand into other areas of AFV sub-system design, build and development.

Products other than unit-vision systems include one-man turrets, cupolas and hatches, weapon mounts, grenade-launcher systems, Cerberus laser detection and defensive aid systems, turret-drive systems and traverse race and displacement units, taking the company into the areas of sophisticated electronic and electro-mechanical systems for a wide variety of AFVs worldwide. As part of the rapidly expanding Avimo Group, Helio is able to exploit strong technical links, notably with Avimo Taunton that is the acknowledged world leader in electro-optic systems. At the same time, the presence of Avimo Group companies in Europe, Asia and the US provides assistance in servicing world markets.