CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have partnered to develop an indigenous Pilot Display Unit (PDU) for the Hawk Mk132 Advanced Jet Trainer used by the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The collaboration is a significant step toward strengthening India’s self-reliance in aerospace avionics and reducing dependence on imported Head-Up Display (HUD) systems under the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The new PDU will function as a compact HUD system positioned directly at the pilot’s eye level, allowing critical flight and mission data to be displayed in the pilot’s forward field of vision. This reduces the need for pilots to constantly monitor cockpit instrument panels during high-speed operations. The system will display vital flight information such as airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, artificial horizon indicators, navigation markers, and landing guidance. One of the major highlights of the indigenous PDU is its dual-mode operational capability. In Raster Mode, the display will show live thermal and infrared imagery from targeting or surveillance pods, enabling improved night operations and target identification in poor visibility conditions. The Mixed Mode feature will combine infrared imagery with flight telemetry, targeting symbology, weapon aiming data, and target lock indicators into a single display environment. The PDU also includes a backup Stand-by-Sight mode that continues to provide essential flight data during avionics or mission computer failures, improving operational safety. The project is expected to reduce long-term maintenance costs, support future mission upgrades, and contribute to HAL’s Hawk-i upgrade initiative aimed at enhancing combat training and light attack capabilities.
