Vision Systems Intl. announced Monday that the F-35 Gen II Helmet Mounted Display System had flown on the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant of the new strike fighter. “The most advanced helmet mounted display system in the world flew a very successful flight,” said VSI president Drew Brugal. The new system, he said, provides “unmatched situational awareness” presented in a “wide-field of view display format.” Brugal added that the Gen II heads-up display “replaces traditional HUD systems and gives the pilot precise, stable symbology in the forward cone and a seamless transition to mission critical symbology in the remaining field of regard.” VSI, formed by Rockwell Collins and Elbit Systems in 1996, has a Gen II low-rate initial production contract with F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin and has production tooling and initial funding contracts for the joint training center standup at Eglin AFB, Fla. (Rockwell Collins release)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…