A $400,000 helmet will make the F-35 fighter jet transparent to the pilot

After a decade of development, Collins Aerospace has unveiled the third-generation helmet for pilots of the F-35 fighter jet. It is called “Genesis III” or HMDS Gen 3 and costs $400,000. But the authors of the development claim that the price is justified, as such a helmet literally makes the airplane transparent for the pilot – his view is not limited by anything.

Six cameras are installed on the outer surface of the F-35, which transmit to the helmet images from all sides. Thus, the pilot sees a combined digital visualization of the entire space around 360 degrees. If desired, you can make the controls transparent and see the space underneath you down to the ground. The absence of limitations in the view allows using augmented reality to display useful information.

Also on the fuselage are infrared cameras, which makes it possible to see in complete darkness. But the field of view is limited – only 30 by 40 degrees. Built-in helmet guidance system allows you to mark any objects in the sky and on the ground simply by eye movement. The helmet can withstand overloads when ejected at speeds up to 620 mph.

A significant disadvantage of HMDS Gen 3 is that it is strictly a piece product. It requires a 3D scan of a particular pilot’s head to obtain a mold, which is used to cut out a customized inner lining. The distance between the eyes and from the eyes to the visor is very carefully measured to ensure the correct image output. There is a lot of complex hardware inside the helmet and it is vital that it fits the head perfectly.

Once the helmet is made, the pilot becomes a “hostage” to it – he cannot change his hairstyle, his face must not be affected by fighting or illness, not even fat. Every 120 days the head and helmet match is checked, otherwise the reliable operation of the visualization systems cannot be guaranteed.