Rockwell Collins has delivered the first Gen III F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS).
The company, through its joint venture Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems, says the F-35 HMDS provides pilots with unprecedented levels of situational awareness and allows them to “look through” the airframe.
“We’re pleased to be able to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II at Rockwell Collins today,” said Steve Callaghan, director, F-35 Program, Lockheed Martin Washington Operations.
The Gen III helmet, which includes an improved night vision camera, improved liquid-crystal displays, automated alignment and software improvements is to be introduced to the fleet in low rate initial production Lot 7 in 2016. Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems also developed the Gen 2 helmet that F-35 pilots currently use, which met the needs for the US Marine Corps and allowed the service to declare Initial Operational Capability.
All the information that pilots need to complete their missions – through all weather, day or night – is projected on the helmet’s visor. Additionally, the F-35’s Distributed Aperture System (DAS), made by Northrop Grumman, streams real-time imagery from six infrared cameras mounted around the aircraft to the helmet, allowing pilots to “look through” the airframe.
Overall, Rockwell Collins has built and fit more than 200 helmets for F-35 pilots who are being trained for the program.