Why US F-35 Pilots Take 2 Days to Fit Their $400,000 Most Advanced Helmet

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Ferrari Or A Helmet?

The F-35 Lightning II is America’s latest addition to its growing fleet of warbirds. With a fighter as capable and advanced as the F-35, it’s expected that most of its gear is going to cost a lot.

Its helmet, for example, costs as much as a Ferrari sports car. Moreover, the pilots would have to undergo personal fittings that take two days. F-35 pilots are also expected to keep their haircut in the same shape, avoid putting on weight, and undergo refittings three times a year.

The process starts with the pilot’s head getting measured and scanned. Afterward, the helmet optics are aligned with the pilot’s eyes using a pupilometer. Finally, flight equipment technicians would then fit the oxygen masks while identifying any leaks on the mask.

After completion, the helmets are still inspected every four months to make sure it’s still the right fit.