Since when are HUDs used in fighter aircraft?

[Mohmar Deathstrike]

Does anyone know much about Head Up Displays and their development?
I think the first ones where cathode ray tubes projecting stuff onto a glass screen in front of the pilot, with a focus at ∞. But WHEN was this (I'd like to have info on American, Soviet, European and other designs, if possible)?

Also, I've seen WW2 movies where fighter planes had a transparent screen in front of the pilot, which looked like a HUD. However, I can't imagine how they could possibly have HUDs with WW2 technology.

 

[jedi078]

I would think the WWII tech HUDs (if real and not added by hollywood) were simply gunsights to help aim at enemy aircraft.

The pilots would still have to look at their instrument panel to check air speed, fuel, etc.

 

[LeEnfield]

What you often see in WW2 films are the optical gun sights which had a light shining up from the base of them which would make the markings stand out more clearly.

 

[Mohmar Deathstrike]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up, LeEnfield.

 

[Missileer]

I think they called those "reflex gun sights" they were also used on some anti-aircraft guns.