Gen III F-35 helmet delivered

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Sen. Joni Ernst, Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins executives Tuesday commemorated the delivery of the first Gen III F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS). Rockwell Collins, through its joint venture, Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems LLC, is providing the HMDS, which includes an improved night vision camera, improved liquid-crystal displays, automated alignment and software improvements is to be introduced to the fleet in low rate initial production Lot 7 in 2016. It also developed the Gen 2 helmet currently in use. Overall, Rockwell Collins has built and fit more than 200 helmets for F-35 pilots who are being trained for the program. (Source: Business Wire, 08/11/15) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.