Or Whatever They're Called "We've got to come up with a new word," said the Air Force Chief of Staff, referring to helmets worn by F-35 fighter pilots.
These headgear are information-packed display systems designed to give pilots a god-like view - on the helmet visor. With the press of a button, a pilot can choose video of the battle space, thermal imagery or night vision.
The "helmet" follows the pilot's gaze, moving the data feed from six cameras on the F-35 air frame. He or she can see ahead, behind and below the floor.
Information about air or ground targets - it's all there. The system even advises which weapon to use, and the plane doesn't have to point toward the target to destroy it.
Helmet liners are precisely made to fit each pilot's head. The helmets are so special in the alignment of optical sensors, pilots wear mock-ups until they join an active-duty squadron. Liners obviously can't be reused.
About 3,100 F-35s in three variations are on order. These Lockheed-Martin aircraft are going to Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and sold to NATO and other allied countries.
All isn't super about these supersonic jets, which can travel 1200 mph. They are way over budget, behind schedule, and designed and redesigned while in production, with an estimated $1.5 trillion program cost through 2070.
At 152 decibels, communities near F-35 bases are not thrilled. Carrier-based sailors may need better hearing protection.
We wonder if this program will justify the cost. If and when it does enter combat, this stealth fighter will destroy an enemy before the enemy knows it is there.
Was it so long ago that Charles Lindbergh used a compass, a stopwatch and a clock to navigate across the Atlantic?
AIR & SPACE magazine and online sources
Jimmy
No comments:
Post a Comment