Today I learned that F-35 pilots get $400,000 helmets with 'X-ray vision' - but the Pentagon almost ditched them
F-35 pilots each get a $400,000 helmet connected to six infrared cameras mounted to the airframe of their fighter jet
The United States Air Force has equipped every one of its F-35 pilots with a custom-fitted $400,000 helmet, which provides them with 360-degree video coverage of the airspace and ground below. This helmet, known as the Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), was designed by Collins Elbit Vision Systems in partnership with Northrop Grumman.
Pilots can see through the aircraft itself using a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) that features six infrared cameras embedded on the exterior of the jet. This system allows pilots to track nearby aircraft or missiles and even lock on to targets up to 800 miles away.
The Gen III helmet, which is significantly more advanced than previous models, provides pilots with real-time situational awareness, making it essentially a "workspace" for pilots to interpret the battle space. Mark Welsh III, a retired four-star general who served as the Air Force s 25th Chief of Staff, described the helmet as an interpretation of the battle space and a tool for situational awareness.
The pilot's visor uses high-resolution LCD lenses for improved picture clarity, and the helmet itself is equipped with head and eye tracking systems to adjust to the pilot's motions. The helmet also boasts digital night vision and thermal imaging capabilities. Despite initial issues with jittery visuals and ejection problems, the system has been improved to become the most advanced helmet-mounted display system in the world.
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