Final answer:
The component mounted on the JHMCS that detects the pilot's head position is the Head Position Sensor. It transforms head movements into electrical signals for situational awareness and weapon cueing on the helmet display.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) includes a helmet display unit which is integral in providing pilots with vital flight information. The component that is specifically responsible for detecting the pilot's head position is commonly known as the Head Position Sensor. This sensor tracks the movement and orientation of the pilot’s helmet and, through electrical signals, translates that information into data that can be used to direct weapons systems, for example, or to provide situational awareness cues on the helmet’s visor display.
These sensors often rely on various technologies, including magnetic, inertial, or optical systems, to accurately determine the pilot’s head position in real-time. The generated electrical signals are then processed by the aircraft’s onboard computer systems, which in turn, adjust the displayed information based on where the pilot is looking. This capability is crucial for both navigation and combat, allowing pilots to engage targets by simply looking at them.