Rockwell, Lockheed Deliver Next-Gen F-35 Helmet

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Rockwell Collins and Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of the first “Generation III” F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System on Aug. 12, an upgrade that seeks to address lingering development issues with the helmet raised by the program office and pilots alike. The display was unveiled during an event at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa headquarters of Rockwell Collins, according to a company release. The “Gen III” helmet includes an improved night vision camera, improved liquid-crystal displays, and automated alignment and software improvements. The helmet will be introduced to the F-35 fleet in lot 7, according to Rockwell Collins officials, and is expected to enter into low rate production in 2016. Previously, F-35 program officials expressed concern about the helmet’s capability, but in 2013 they decided to continue with Rockwell’s improvements instead of going with an entirely new system developed by BAE Systems.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org