Heads-Up Display

A Heads-Up Display (HUD) is a transparent projection system that presents critical flight information directly in the pilot's forward field of view, superimposed on the external visual scene through the windshield. This allows the pilot to monitor instruments and look outside simultaneously, without the need to transition between "head-down" instruments and the windshield.

HUD symbology typically includes:

• Flight path vector (where the aircraft is actually going)
• Pitch and roll reference
• Airspeed and altitude tapes
• Heading
• Flight director guidance
• Runway outline during approach

HUDs provide significant safety benefits, particularly during low-visibility approaches. Some operators with HUD-equipped aircraft receive operational credits from regulators — such as lower CAT I minimums (as low as 100 feet DH) or the ability to perform HUD-guided CAT II approaches without autoland. The Boeing 787 and many business jets offer HUD as an option; some military and cargo operators use Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) integrated with the HUD to display infrared imagery.