How does a HUD work?
 

Seen many pics but wondering how the display actually works. I was think of putting some fiber optics in a jet I'm building just to create the 'effect'. Some pics show a hose looking thingy and what looks like a prism at right angles under the display. Some appear to have a lens under the display. So, where or how is the data projected. Maybe there ar differnt methods used. Any help? Bill S.

RE: How does a HUD work?
 

Basically, it's just a partially reflective piece of glass with the info reflected off it. At the projector, the top of the image would be facing the viewer, and the projected image would be reversed(just like looking in a mirror). Lenses and prisms for focus, flipping the image, etc.

Sorry 'bout the crude side view diagram - no time, no tools.

RE: How does a HUD work?
 

I have a HUD in my Corvette and if I were to display that in a Jet I would do the following. I would print, in medium blue or green, a graphic on transparent paper and attach it to the display area (wind shield?) on the Jet. You would have your Illusion without trying to duplicate the full scale. Should work fine..

RE: How does a HUD work?
 

That's a thought! Thanks for the input. My wife bought a cheap Christmas tree last year which has hundreds of little fiber strands with different color lights. Battery operated-thought a few strands would be neat. Maybe a combination-Hmmm. Maybe I shouldn't have capitalized Xmas-the ACLU might file suit.