J-20 5th Gen Fighter Thread V

[WestRiver]

 

[taxiya]

I think the online reaction towards the J-20 helmet was overhyped.

View attachment 41030 (high resolution picture, click to enlarge)

The helmet shown in the J-20 cockpit video appears to be model TK-31, a light helmet that does not offer any HMD functionality whatsoever. I say that judging from its size and shape and its model description. It doesn't even show mounts for HMS or night vision goggles. I suspect it is just a generic light helmet for non-combat flying. It is highly doubtful that the real helmet designed for J-20 (a plane with so many optical windows and clearly emphasize sensor integration) would be so simplistic.

From academic papers, bid calls and airshow pamphlets, it is known that China has been developing various models of HMD helmets for at least 6 years (probably much longer than that) and they've certainly created some products. But so far we have only seen Chinese HMD for helicopters, the PLAAF has kept their advanced helmets a tight secret, just like they're not showing cockpit pictures of their newer fighters. I would advise against thinking that TK-31 is THE helmet for J-20.

Maybe I did not make my question clear. My intended question was specifically about that brochure (picture 40998 by RickHunter), HMD1 and 2, although not necessarily used by J-20 pilots in the parade.

I think Bltizo just answered my question in #4966

 

[vesicles]

So what's the rationale for choosing a practice helmet for such an important event? They knew all too well that the helmet will be one of the major focuses since they had a cam inside of the cockpit and the helmet would be pretty much the only thing people would see. Why did they choose to use a low-tech and unimpressive gear when showcasing their most advanced and highest profile weapon? They could simply use the same helmet that all other PLAAF pilots use...

I am not doubting that it is a practice helmet, but wondering if this helmet is more than meets the eye...

 

[kwaigonegin]

So what's the rationale for choosing a practice helmet for such an important event? They knew all too well that the helmet will be one of the major focuses since they had a cam inside of the cockpit and the helmet would be pretty much the only thing people would see. Why did they choose to use a low-tech and unimpressive gear when showcasing their most advanced and highest profile weapon? They could simply use the same helmet that all other PLAAF pilots use...

I am not doubting that it is a practice helmet, but wondering if this helmet is more than meets the eye...

I don't think so.. I think the helmet is exactly what it is.. there's nothing more to it.. no super secret hidden features.

As to the reason why? no one knows because perhaps there are no need for any 'rationale' at all..
Sometimes things are just exactly what they are. There is really nothing more to read into it.
The pilot grabbed the helmet that he has and off he goes!

There are no further 'ulterior' motives.

 

[Deino]

J-20 s/n 78274, 78275, 78276

 

[superdog]

So what's the rationale for choosing a practice helmet for such an important event? They knew all too well that the helmet will be one of the major focuses since they had a cam inside of the cockpit and the helmet would be pretty much the only thing people would see. Why did they choose to use a low-tech and unimpressive gear when showcasing their most advanced and highest profile weapon? They could simply use the same helmet that all other PLAAF pilots use...

I am not doubting that it is a practice helmet, but wondering if this helmet is more than meets the eye...

There are plenty of possible rationale, we just can't confirm any of them at this time. Perhaps they simply don't want to declassify it yet, perhaps it is still under development and not ready for mission, or perhaps there will be no special helmet for the J-20 (ordered by possibility from high to low). 99.9% of their audience would not be able to tell the advanceness of the helmet from that cockpit video. There is no 'wow' factor but it is a clean looking helmet good enough for most of their audience.

 

[vesicles]

There are plenty of possible rationale, we just can't confirm any of them at this time. Perhaps they simply don't want to declassify it yet, perhaps it is still under development and not ready for mission, or perhaps there will be no special helmet for the J-20 (ordered by possibility from high to low). 99.9% of their audience would not be able to tell the advanceness of the helmet from that cockpit video. There is no 'wow' factor but it is a clean looking helmet good enough for most of their audience.

I was actually very impressive with their new helmet and thought it was the next gen advanced helmet... I'm sure vast majority of the audience is like me, military enthusiasts with little technical background.

 

[superdog]

I was actually very impressive with their new helmet and thought it was the next gen advanced helmet... I'm sure vast majority of the audience is like me, military enthusiasts with little technical background.

I thought that too since it was a new model I did not notice before, and especially that it no longer has the old HMS mounts. I only realized it can't have all the advanced functions jammed in after I searched for more pictures and reviewed the video carefully.

 

[by78]

J-20 s/n 78274, 78275, 78276

View attachment 41051

Here's a high-resolution version just for you, Deino.

(2668 x 1437)

 

[siegecrossbow]

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During the interview, the J-20 pilot claimed that the J-20 is very maneuverable within both the supersonic and subsonic regimens. He also stated that it was difficult for pilots to adjust to the sensitive controls on the plane since the slightest pressure on the control stick can cause the plane to take off at an incredible angle.