Wigston, who was appearing before the committee on Wednesday, replied: “The lighter helmet that would allow lighter aircrew, so not just women but lighter aircrew, to fly the F-35 . . . we would have challenges in clearing it in safety terms because it does not give the pilot the protection that the other helmet has.
Ellwood said: “There is an American helmet designed for females which is lighter, but they cost a quarter of a million pounds each and we haven’t purchased any because I think there’s some health and safety regulations, UK regs, which prohibit us.”
A lighter helmet would be better in general so I don't know why everyone doesn't just use it. Maybe because Lockheed is price gouging.
One of the F-35 key technological advantages is the implementation of it's helmet mounted HUD and how it integrates with targeting systems. The helmet isn't just for skull protection; it's a fundamental part of the F-35's overall design.
That said they're saying the issue with the lighter style helmets is that they don't provide enough protection.
Which seems weird to me, like how often does something bad happen to a fighter jet pilot that any kind of helmet can actually protect them from? I feel like the injury space for pilots is more like a binary between "A-OK" and "is now a red mist on the Jetstream/red smear on the floor" with a tiny sliver of "hit by debris whilst ejecting" to justify the helmet.
A lighter helmet would be better in general so I don't know why everyone doesn't just use it. Maybe because Lockheed is price gouging.
One of the F-35 key technological advantages is the implementation of it's helmet mounted HUD and how it integrates with targeting systems. The helmet isn't just for skull protection; it's a fundamental part of the F-35's overall design.
That said they're saying the issue with the lighter style helmets is that they don't provide enough protection.
Which seems weird to me, like how often does something bad happen to a fighter jet pilot that any kind of helmet can actually protect them from? I feel like the injury space for pilots is more like a binary between "A-OK" and "is now a red mist on the Jetstream/red smear on the floor" with a tiny sliver of "hit by debris whilst ejecting" to justify the helmet.
also the coming down on the parachute part
It's probably to protect the pilot after they've already ejected the plane, and are parachuting down.
1/4 million pounds for one helmet???