Fighter jets are some of the most advanced aircraft in history, but they can be a bit daunting to fly. That's because pilots are often busy trying to keep track of a plethora of screens, gauges and sensor readouts while traveling at a mind-numbingly fast speed.
Pilots will find it easier to remain focused on their missions with the F-35's augmented-reality system. This puts all pertinent information right in their field. Pilots in the past had to flick back and forth between screens in an attempt to find information, which could have resulted in pilots losing valuable time and potentially missing critical information.
The F-35's helmet-mounted display shows pilots simplified, prioritized information that allows them to keep up with their missions and get maximum enjoyment from every flight. The F-35's helmet is also integrated with powerful artificial intelligence, so the plane can take over some functions when a pilot becomes incapacitated or needs to fly by itself in an unmanned scenario.
Intelligent data management combined with low-observable technology makes the F-35 stand out from other fighters. This makes it difficult for enemy radar systems to identify. These are in addition to fighter's ability fly at high speed, carry large quantities of ordnance, and use stealth coating.
There are a number of sensors built into the F-35. These include an Electro-Optical Distribution Aperture System which allows pilots monitor a sphere surrounding them for enhanced missile warning and air-to-air conflict detection. A Electro-Optical Targeting System allows the pilot to focus on specific targets.
The feat of engineering is the result of years of testing and design. It has been met with criticism by both pilots as well as engineers. That's because the F-35 is still very young and, as with any new piece of technology, it has a long way to go before it's perfected.
Despite ongoing issues, the F-35 keeps moving forward towards its next milestone. The F-35 is on track to receive its latest upgrade block in 2025. It includes 75 major upgrades that increase the F-35’s capabilities by about 518 without changing its outer skin.
The F-35 was hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020. Lockheed Martin was forced to adjust its production schedule and establish supply chains quickly. In the end, though, it was able to return to normal production.
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. This means that it will continue to be in use for many decades, which will have significant implications for the global economy and security.
The F-35's success has prompted a flurry of interest from other nations, as it has the potential to become a global game changer. It is currently in service with nine countries and plans to expand. It's also the first aircraft that will be able to carry a range of weapons that includes nuclear, chemical and biological weaponry. The fighter can also be built in many sizes and configurations with each variant having its unique strengths.