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The F-35 Lightning II employs a Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) providing pilots with an advanced situational awareness by integrating data from multiple sensors. Unlike traditional heads-up displays, the HMDS allows pilots to see through the aircraft, enhancing targeting capabilities and enabling off-boresight missile launches.

The F-35's HMDS functions as a command-and-control node, enabling pilots to manage battlespace and share data with other aircraft. The program is the most expensive weapon system in history, with projected lifecycle costs of $2.1 trillion and a focus on improving operational readiness.