Ford Super Duty Trucks Sport New Technology Courtesy of Fighter Jets

Photo Source: Ford

Ford debuted the 2023 F-Series Super Duty trucks in the 2022 model year, and the reception from consumers has been overwhelming. The brand explains how the technical features of the all-new pickup trucks, including the head-up display (HUD) inspired by aviation, help Ford consumers get the job done. After striking a deal with Tesla to utilize its Supercharger network and accept its NACS plug in its future electric vehicles, Ford is intent on proving the superiority of its trucks compared to the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck. 

The Blue Oval revealed a press release about the innovative technologies of the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty. These include a head-up display Ford claims was inspired by fighter jets and the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system, which relies on machine learning to simplify towing. Considering the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty lineup was announced in 2022 and began deliveries in May of 2023, these features are currently being outlined in more detail than before. 

The Head-Up Display

The fighter jet-inspired Head-Up Display projects information in front of the driver on the lower half of the windshield. Mark Sich, Ford digital design manager, explains how the Head-Up Display was configured from complex, strategic presentations and altered for easier understanding: “We wanted to create an amazing digital experience for our most-focused truck customers, and our research led us to look at aircraft HUD concepts because of their task-oriented hierarchical structures. But because pilots are trained to read information in a very prescribed and technical manner, our implementation needed the interaction to be more intuitive for the driver to immediately understand the context of the information being presented.” 

The Head-Up Display allows drivers to select from three views–Normal Mode, Tow-Haul Mode, or Off-Road Mode–to see the information most relevant to their trip. Each view changes automatically when a new drive mode is selected. To clarify, the Normal Mode is like most Head-Up Displays, exhibiting information such as navigation prompts and speed. Tow-Haul Mode changes to include gear, tachometer, and trailer brake output. Finally, the Off-Road Mode displays the drive line status, tachometer, and vehicle pitch and roll information.

Most importantly, perhaps, the Head-Up Display also helps improve safety while driving the 2023 Ford Super Duty. Keeping eyes on the road means reduced risk of a crash, because things can occur swiftly. 

The Usefulness of Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks

The Ford Motor Company is aware that over 90 percent of Heavy Duty pickup owners depend on their trucks to tow, and the Super Duty has best-in-class towing characteristics. As a matter of fact, Super Duty boasts best-in-class maximum available payload and best-in-class maximum available diesel gooseneck towing of 40,000 pounds. That said, drivers can hitch a trailer much more easily with the optional Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system, exclusive to the Ford F-Series. The trucks also include Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch, which can estimate payload in real-time.

Pro Trailer Hitch Assist System

The Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system automatically identifies trailer hitches and aligns the truck’s hitch ball to a conventional trailer coupler with the touch of a button. It utilizes rear corner radars and a rear camera to align the hitch with the trailer coupler while simultaneously controlling the truck’s steering, speed, and braking on behalf of the operator or driver. Ford is striving to turn its Super Duty vehicles into productivity workhorses through the use of advanced technology. For example, the latest generation is the most connected Super Duty ever, with an integrated 5G modem that permits seamless over-the-air updates. 

The available Head-Up Display is only the latest example of how Ford is making technological strides to provide drivers with a better user experience while simultaneously helping to improve productivity. Please come visit NYE Ford to see for yourself the advancements Ford is making. We have a large lineup of new vehicles available for you to choose from. If you would prefer a quality pre-owned car, we have those, too. Our sales team is ready and waiting to attend to your car shopping needs.