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Rare video footage of what F-35 pilots experience at night reveal some incredible technological advances in our military.
This footage was part of a presentation by the Flight Test Safety Committee Conference in May, where the abilities of the F-35’s Helmet Mounted Display Systems, developed by Lockheed Martin, were discussed.
The video showed nighttime footage tcaptured by the aircraft’s helmet-mounted display, and it’s nothing short of incredible.
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The helmet also allow pilots to toggle through different modes, which provides the pilot with a clearer understanding of everything that is going on around the plane.
A video of the presentation is below, and the portions describing the helmet start at the 26:13 mark.
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Military equipment throughout the world is upgrading to take advantage of 21st century technology, but this is extraordinary. The HMDS use real-time imagery from six infrared cameras located on the aircraft to literally show the pilot’s surroundings. This technology allows pilots to essentially “look through” the airframe.
What incredible technology.
F-35 test pilot Billie Flynn described the helmet’s capability and said it was transformation in terms of what it gives to the pilot and situational awareness in the cockpit.
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Another test pilot, Marine Corps Maj. John Dirk, described the helmet’s capabilities in a Lockheed publication.
“In addition to the aircraft’s flight symbology, I can display tactical data and even live night vision video,” he said.
“The helmet helps me find friendly and enemy aircraft, locate targets on the ground, and can even point out the ship. It is fully integrated into the aircraft systems and enables a seamless transition between tactical display and the outside world.”
Technology like this remarkable, and it couldn’t come at a better time as we fight global terrorism.
H/T Task & Purpose
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