Luke Air Force Base issued its first Generation III F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System to Norwegian Air Force Maj. Morten Hanche, 62nd Fighter Squadron training pilot Oct. 16, 2015.
The new system, built and issued by Rockwell Collins at the Pilot Fit Facility, includes a number of upgrades, including improved night vision, optics and liquid-crystal displays.
"It's Luke's first," said Donald Guess, Rockwell Collins customer support specialist. "It's something that's been coming for a while and something that all the pilots are going to want."
The latest helmet takes the head-up display (HUD) usually projected onto on a piece of glass at the front of the cockpit, and puts it on the helmet. That means the pilot's always has it in his field of vision, and can see useful data like the horizon, airspeed, altitude, and weapons status wherever he's looking.
By integrating three advanced technologies, helmet-mounted display, head up display and visor projected night vision, the Generation III helmet allows the F-35 to become the first tactical fighter jet in 50 years without a traditional Head-Up Display system.
"I think the helmet is going to be an important factor in enhancing my situational awareness," Hanche said. "I don't have to look around. I can glance with my eyes and get the info I need."