The United States Navy has unveiled a new underwater diving apparatus that could help its elite forces in underwater battles. The new diving apparatus has been likened by many to the headgear used by Iron Man.

Officially called the Divers Augmented Vision Display (DAVD), the high-tech helmet has a screen which has a real-time link to operators on the surface giving the underwater user voice commands or live video messages. The helmet supports high-resolution videos and has a see-through heads-up display, which is embedded directly inside it.

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In a statement acquired by The Daily Mail, US Navy Underwater Systems Development Project Engineer Dennis Gallagher said, "By building this HUD directly inside the dive helmet instead of attaching a display on the outside, it can provide a capability similar to something from an 'Ironman' movie. You have everything you visually need right there within the helmet."

The high-tech heads-up display allows divers to have a real-time feed of vital information like sector sonar, location, and diagrams. The HUD also allows divers to access features like text messages, photographs, and even augmented reality videos.

Users of the DAVD have full control of the helmet. They can choose to turn the HUD on or off, as well as reposition the display in different locations on the HUD. The team working on the development of the DAVD claim that they are planning to upgrade the helmet and add enhanced sensors, high-resolution sonar, and video systems which will enable divers to see underwater even if there is zero visibility.

The US Navy said that the DAVD can also be used by professionals working as first responders or even in the commercial diving community. According to Slash Gear, Gallagher and his team worked with at least 20 divers from various commands in developing the DAVD. In-water simulation testing of the DAVD is scheduled for October.

Tags Navy, US Navy, HUD, DAVD, Divers Augmented Vision Display, Diving apparatus