Fighter jets may be the most advanced aircraft known, but they can be intimidating to fly. Because pilots must keep an eye on a variety of screens, gauges, sensors and other readouts as they travel at a staggeringly fast pace.
The F-35's augmented reality system puts all information right in the pilot's field of view, making it easier to focus on their mission. In the past pilots had to switch between screens in order to find the right information. This was time-consuming and dangerous.
The F-35 keeps all the critical information within the pilot's reach with a helmet-mounted monitor that displays prioritized, streamlined information so they can stay on top of their missions and get the most mileage out of every flight. The F-35's helmet has powerful artificial intelligence integrated so it can assume certain functions when a pilot is injured or needs to fly unmanned in an unmanned setting.
F-35 stands out among other fighters thanks to its intelligent data management system and low-observable tech that makes it harder for enemy radars to spot. These capabilities are in addition a fighter's ability at high speeds to use stealth technology and to carry large amounts ordnance.
The F-35 has a dazzling array sensors, including an Electro-Optical Distributed Perturbation System, which allows pilots to see a sphere around them for enhanced missile detection, air-to-air battle detection, and day/night target recognition. Additionally, an Electro-Optical Targeting System lets pilots focus on specific targets.
It is an engineering feat that has been fueled over years by design and testing. However, it has received some criticism from engineers and pilots alike. Because the F-35 is still young and it will need to improve as technology evolves.
Despite ongoing issues, the F-35 keeps moving forward towards its next milestone. The F-35's most recent upgrade block, which includes 75 major upgrades adding about 518 capabilities to the F-35 without changing its outer skin, is expected to start rolling off the line by 2025.
But the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 took a bite out of the F-35's production schedule, which forced Lockheed Martin to adjust its work schedule and shore up supply chains as quickly as possible. However, normal production was possible in the end.
The F-35 is one of the most ambitious military projects of all time. The F-35 is designed to replace various aircraft and technologies in the United States as well as other countries. That means it will be in service for decades to come, and as such, will have a significant impact on the world's security and economy.
Because the F-35 is an international game-changer, there has been a lot of interest from other countries. The F-35 has been in service in nine of its countries already, with plans for additional. It's also the first aircraft that will be able to carry a range of weapons that includes nuclear, chemical and biological weaponry. It is also possible to build a wide variety of configurations and sizes, each with its own unique strengths.