Dual path development maintained for F-35 helmet

Lockheed Martin will continue with its dual path development for the F-35 Lightning II's helmet, despite the company's confidence in the system under development by Vision Systems International (VSI).

VSI – a collaboration between Elbit Systems and Rockwell Collins – is the incumbent manufacturer of the F-35's helmet-mounted display system (HMDS); however, a number of issues have arisen with the unit and in March 2011 Lockheed Martin announced a competition to purchase a helmet made with commercial off-the-shelf night-vision goggles (NVGs) and components. Subsequently a BAE Systems-led effort to develop an alternative helmet commenced.

The new helmet is designed to replace the aircraft's head-up display (HUD) with an integrated unit. A critical design review in Q4 2012 will go some way to deciding the fate of VSI's helmet.

The issues with the HMDS have focused on a lack of night-vision acuity and sensitivity; however, Steve O'Bryan, Lockheed Martin's vice-president for F-35 business development, told a media briefing that the company is confident that the problems with the helmet will be remedied with tweaks to the software.