High-Performance Display Technologies for Military Applications

01 December, 2025

High-Performance Display Technologies for Military Applications

By Daniel Burke, Marketing Manager at RDS

In the high-stakes realm of military operations, where reliability, clarity, and durability are critical, advanced display technologies are essential for mission success. From rugged battlefields to naval command centres, the right display technology enhances situational awareness, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Below, we explore key display technologies suitable for military use, their advantages, and their specific applications.

  • Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs)
    • Why It’s Suitable: LCDs, particularly active-matrix LCDs (AMLCDs), offer high resolution, sunlight readability, and durability, meeting MIL-STD-810 standards for shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures (-40°C to +85°C). Their adjustable backlighting ensures visibility in low-light or night-vision scenarios, while low power consumption extends battery life in portable systems.

Military Applications: LCDs are ideal for cockpit instrumentation, naval radar displays, and mobile command units. For example, they provide real-time targeting data in fighter jets and display sonar feeds on submarines, enhancing precision and situational awareness. Their rugged design suits harsh environments like tanks or deployable tactical operations centres (TOCs).

  • Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) Displays
    • Why It’s Suitable: OLEDs deliver superior contrast, vibrant colours, and fast response times without requiring a backlight, resulting in thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient displays. Flexible OLEDs can conform to unique shapes, like a soldier’s sleeve, and their high brightness supports daylight readability.

Military Applications: OLEDs are perfect for head-mounted displays (HMDs) and wearable systems in dismounted soldier applications, providing sensor data and communications for network-centric warfare. They’re also used in UAV ground control stations for high-resolution video feeds, improving target tracking and reconnaissance.

  • Projected Capacitive (PCAP) Touchscreens
    • Why It’s Suitable: PCAP touchscreens support multi-touch interaction, operate with gloved hands, and are highly durable, with scratch-resistant surfaces and IP65/IP67 sealing against dust and water. Their responsiveness and clarity make them user-friendly in high-pressure scenarios.

Military Applications: PCAP touchscreens are used in rugged tablets for field soldiers, enabling real-time map navigation and mission coordination. They’re also integrated into cockpit control panels and naval command systems, allowing intuitive interaction with complex data streams.

  • Stereoscopic 3D Displays
    • Why It’s Suitable: Stereoscopic displays, including VR walls and autostereoscopic holographic systems, provide immersive 3D visualisation for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). They offer high-resolution, fatigue-free viewing and support software like Socet GXP for analysing satellite imagery.

Military Applications: These displays excel in command centres for 3D terrain mapping and tactical planning, such as analysing high-resolution WorldView-3 satellite images. They’re also used in VR training environments for special forces, simulating realistic scenarios for mission preparation.

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Head-Up Displays (HUDs)
    • Why It’s Suitable: AR and HUDs overlay critical data (e.g., targeting, navigation) onto real-world views, enhancing situational awareness without diverting attention. They’re rugged, lightweight, and compatible with night-vision systems, meeting MIL-STD requirements.

Military Applications: HUDs in fighter jets display weapon targeting and flight data, while AR headsets like HUD 3.0 provide soldiers with navigation aids, virtual foes, and terrain overlays for training and combat. They’re also used in UAV control for first-person view (FPV) reconnaissance.

A Strategic Edge for Mission-Critical Operations

These display technologies—LCDs, OLEDs, PCAP touchscreens, stereoscopic 3D, and AR/HUDs—empower military operations with real-time data, rugged reliability, and intuitive interfaces. From enhancing battlefield awareness to streamlining command and control, they deliver the clarity and resilience needed to succeed in extreme conditions. For tailored solutions, contact RDS at 01959 563 345.

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