Holographic Sight Spotted in Cockpit of American Attack Aircraft – for What Purpose?

The new OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft for the US Air Force Special Operations Command is equipped with a commercial EOTech XPS holographic sight. This sight is usually used on tactical rifles.

This was noticed by users of  X, after which The War Zone journalists received an official explanation from AFSOC.

The representatives of the command confirmed that the sight is a standard element of the aircraft design and is installed on every OA-1K.

According to the military, the holographic sight is used before the flight to calibrate the pilot’s helmet guidance system. This allows the helmet position to be aligned with the aircraft’s coordinates, ensuring the accuracy of the data display in flight.

OA-1K pilots use the popular Scorpion system from Thales, which is also integrated into other US tactical aircraft. It displays sensor data, positions of allied and enemy forces, and flight information in front of the pilot’s eyes.

A special feature of the Skyraider II is the absence of a classic HUD (a projection indicator on the windshield). Therefore, the EOTech sight serves as a tool for preliminary alignment of the system, and theoretically can also serve as an emergency weapon guidance device in case of using unguided ammunition.

This is not the first time EOTech has been used in AFSOC aircraft cockpits. In 2018, similar sights were spotted on already retired AC-130W Stinger II, where they also helped pilots calibrate helmet systems.