BAE Systems in Rochester has been awarded a £75 million contract to supply helmets for fighter jets.

The defence avionics plant next to Rochester Airport, will produce the computerised intelligence helmets to be used in Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

The multi-million pound contract will see an increase in the workforce and follows many years of design and development.

The specialised equipment is the most technologically-advanced helmet in the world.

It is safe to use at the ejection speed of 600 knots, exceeding the 450 knots previously cleared.

It is a lightweight, integrated design which is stable under high G-force. The headgear technology plugs into the Eurofighter Typhoon computer system and allows the pilot to direct sensors and weapons by a simple turn of the head.

The pilot can cue missiles, lock a sensor onto an adversary, or target a particular point on the ground.

The combination of this technology into the helmet makes this the safest, most sustainable and highly-accurate one in the world.

Alan Bristow Typhoon project director, said: “By developing this helmet we have ensured defence avionics is the world leader in helmet technologies.

The company is currently seeking to recruit people into a number of key roles at Rochester.

Details of the current vacancies can be viewed on the BAE Systems website, which also advertises details of upcoming recruitment events.

For more information log on to www.baesystems.com/defenceavionics