The Russian company LOMO (Saint Petersburg), a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Concern, has finalized the development of the initial prototype of a domestically produced augmented reality display—DDR-M. This device is designed for deployment within modern onboard avionics systems and will be incorporated into the radio-electronic equipment suite of the new MC-21-310 passenger aircraft.
The development of the DDR-M represents an important step toward achieving technological independence within Russia’s civil aviation sector. Historically, systems of this nature were predominantly accessible solely via imported apparatus. The new device addresses the demand for indigenous solutions that not only substitute foreign counterparts but also fulfill contemporary standards for safety, efficiency, and operational dependability.
What an Augmented Reality Display Entails and Its Significance for Aircraft
An augmented reality display is a device capable of projecting essential information directly into the pilot’s field of view without necessitating a shift of attention to separate panels. In avionics, such systems are used to improve situational awareness by superimposing critical data onto the actual external environment, thereby improving the pilot’s capacity to perceive conditions and make informed decisions.
In aviation, the DDR-M presents flight and navigation data, alert and warning messages, and various other essential flight parameters. This collimated image—indicating that the visual information is displayed as if situated at an infinite distance — is projected onto a transparent screen, producing the impression of a unified informational field superimposed over the actual external view from the cockpit.
The primary benefit is that the pilot is no longer required to frequently transfer their focus between the external environment and the instrument panels. All critical information is already readily available within the immediate view. This is particularly crucial during intricate maneuvers and during approaches and landings under adverse weather conditions such as fog, precipitation, or low cloud ceilings. This approach to information dissemination considerably improves aviation safety.
Historical Background: Import Substitution in the Field of Avionics
It is noteworthy that several years ago, aircraft cockpits already incorporated displays with comparable functions, although they were almost certainly of foreign origin. For instance, initial images of the MC-21-300 cockpit—the earlier version of the aircraft—depicted two such displays. During that period in the late 2010s, it was most probable that this equipment was imported.
The extensive import substitution initiative underway for the MC-21 entails replacing over eighty foreign systems with domestically produced Russian counterparts. These encompass control systems, auxiliary power units, fuel sensors, and the complete avionics suite. This degree of localization not only lessens reliance on international suppliers but also enhances the technological autonomy of the entire aircraft program.
The shift to domestically produced avionics systems represents a strategic choice influenced by the geopolitical landscape of recent years, during which access to foreign components has been progressively limited by sanctions. Consequently, Russian engineers and developers have been both compelled and motivated to develop competitive solutions domestically produced.
Advantages of the DDR-M: Enhanced Safety and Situational Awareness
One of the principal aims of the DDR-M is to improve flight safety. In aviation, safety relies not only on the structural integrity of the aircraft but also on the efficacy of the flight crew’s interaction with information. Traditional instrument panels necessitate pilots intermittently divert their gaze from the windshield to interpret data, thereby elevating the risk of overlooking vital visual signals from the external environment.
With an augmented reality display, the pilot is able to view all critical information seamlessly superimposed onto the real-world environment. This enhances decision-making speed and intuitiveness by minimizing eye strain and enabling more effective distribution of attention. The advantages of this technology are especially pronounced during landings under adverse weather conditions or in aerodynamically challenging scenarios, where every second is critical.
In severe conditions—including intense crosswinds, restricted visibility, or unstable meteorological environments — pilots are required to depend on both instrument readings and visual cues. In these scenarios, an augmented reality display serves as a crucial instrument, aligning internal sensor data with external visual indicators and thereby substantially enhancing the safety of departure and landing procedures.
Technological Aspects: The Functioning of the System
At the heart of the technology lies a transparent display onto which information is projected through collimated optical systems. Collimation guarantees that the displayed image appears to be at an infinite distance, thereby decreasing eye strain and enhancing readability. This is especially crucial in situations where pilots need to swiftly evaluate their environment and aircraft condition.
The display itself is a sophisticated electro-optical assembly comprising light sources, projection mechanisms, lenses, and communication interfaces with onboard processors. Information is produced by the aircraft’s avionics management system and conveyed to the display as visual layers overlaid on the actual environment.
Augmented reality technologies are increasingly advancing across various sectors, including mobile devices, industrial applications, and automotive electronics. In Russia, augmented reality glasses are currently employed in industrial settings for apparatus maintenance, enabling technicians to view instructions and data directly within their line of sight. However, aviation imposes significantly greater requirements for reliability, precision, and safety, elevating avionics-grade AR systems to a markedly higher level of technological sophistication.
Production and Scientific Capabilities
The development of the DDR-M was enabled through the integration of LOMO’s engineering expertise with the industrial capabilities of the Kalashnikov Concern. LOMO possesses comprehensive expertise in optics, photographic equipment, and precision instruments, which equips it to undertake the development of such a sophisticated avionics module.
Equally essential is not only the display technology itself but also its seamless integration with the aircraft’s onboard systems. This necessitates close collaboration with aircraft manufacturers, MC-21 designers, and avionics software developers. This interdisciplinary methodology guarantees seamless integration between the display and the current flight control and navigation systems.
Import Substitution: Obstacles and Future Opportunities
In recent years, the MC-21 project has experienced a significant shift towards the domestic production of essential components. Over eighty foreign systems have been substituted with Russian counterparts, substantially reducing the aircraft’s reliance on external suppliers.
However, import substitution involves more than simply replacing components tangibly. It also encompasses the development of innovative technologies, the establishment of a robust domestic scientific and industrial foundation, and the creation of new supply chains. Creating sophisticated devices such as augmented reality displays necessitates the use of advanced components, highly experienced engineers, and close collaboration among multiple industrial enterprises.
In the future, the technologies developed for the DDR-M could be applied beyond civil aviation, encompassing space systems, automotive engineering, and military electronics—any domain where real-time display of vital information is crucial.
Final Remarks
The development of the inaugural Russian augmented reality display DDR-M for the MC-21-310 aircraft marks a notable milestone in advancing technological independence within Russia’s civil aviation industry. Developed by LOMO, the device improves flight safety—particularly under adverse weather conditions—and is integrated into an extensive import substitution initiative designed to establish a wholly domestic avionics suite for a contemporary passenger aircraft.
This technological accomplishment not only enhances the standing of Russia’s aviation sector but also showcases the proficiency of domestic engineers in providing competitive, advanced technological solutions within one of the most challenging fields of contemporary engineering.