The helmet under development for F-35 pilots is having problems, said Vice Adm. David Venlet, F-35 program executive officer. It’s designed to provide the head-up display, targeting information, and a supposedly seamless panoramic night view of surrounding terrain. But it’s experiencing jittery presentations, jumping, and brightness issues, said Venlet in remarks before an industry audience in Arlington, Va., Tuesday. There’s no trouble with the HUD presentation, he noted. Venlet said F-35 program officials won’t allow the helmet to interfere with the aircraft’s progress, so they are considering “alternatives,” such as night vision goggles, and moving some presentations to the cockpit’s flat-screen displays. Night vision “is the main challenge,” he said, but “we’ve got some options.” (For more from Venlet, see The F-35 Bottom Line from Wednesday’s Daily Report column)
The Air Force Historical Foundation has recognized two Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber wings among the winners of its 2025-2026 prestigious annual awards, selecting both for their part in Operation Midnight Hammer, the daring raid on Iran’s fortified nuclear weapons sites.
