An F-35 pilot’s helmet costs more than a Ferrari and takes two days to get fitted

[rangerrebew]

An F-35 pilot’s helmet costs more than a Ferrari and takes two days to get fitted

“Small things such as a new haircut or a couple of pounds gained could cause the helmet to not fit correctly."

By David Roza | Published Aug 11, 2021 12:49 PM
 

If you’re looking for a helmet for the advanced F-35 Lightning II, then get ready to put down enough money to buy a Ferrari sports car, undergo a two-day fitting process, keep your hair generally in the same shape, avoid putting on weight, and check in three times a year to make sure it still fits perfectly.

At least, that seems to be the process described in a new Air Force press release detailing just how much work it takes to keep one part of the $78 million F-35 fighter ready to fly.

“Pilots come in and put on all their gear so we can double-check to make sure everything fits properly and without issue,” said Staff Sgt. AJ Arteaga, an aircrew flight equipment reservist with the 419th Operations Support Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

“Small things such as a new haircut or a couple of pounds gained could cause the helmet to not fit correctly,” Arteaga said.

https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/air-force-f-35-helmet-fitting/

[PeteS in CA]

Given how much avionics functions have been integrated into the helmet - an effort that has been ongoing since the early 80s or late 70s - precise fit means precision in combat situations.

[rustynail]

An F-35 pilot’s helmet costs more than a Ferrari and takes two days to get fitted.....and is useless against the Taliban.