No blind spots here: This immersive new helmet creates a complete VR environment for F-35 fighter pilots

After years of development marred by delays and cost overruns, the F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is beginning to reach milestones as it moves closer to its role as the military’s top fighter jet.

Besides its amazing vertical take off and maneuverability in the air, the fighter also features some slick technology on the inside, including an advanced pilot helmet — previewed by Wired — which would knock the socks off any science-fiction fan.

Built by defense contractor Rockwell Collins over the past five years, the new F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System takes the cockpit’s heads-up display (HUD) and moves it inside the helmet.

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