The F-35 fighter jet being developed for the United States military is reportedly equipped with a variety of high tech features. One of the most innovative components of the F-35 is the Distributed Aperture System, or DAS, developed by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, which allows the pilot to see through the plane using a kind of x-ray vision technology.


The F-35 fighter jet being developed for the United States military is reportedly equipped with a variety of high tech features.

One of the most innovative components of the F-35 is the Distributed Aperture System, or DAS, developed by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, which allows the pilot to see through the plane using a kind of x-ray vision technology.

Six cameras are installed on the exterior of the jet pointing in every direction, and those live images are combined with a computer processor and displayed as a spherical video.

The pilot will be able to see in all directions around the aircraft, even in the dark, and other low visibility conditions.

Incorporated into the display are ground target, and ballistic missile tracking capabilities.

Combined with the radar system, the DAS can analyze and identify anything of interest that is detected, including hostile fire.

According to the Northrup Gruman website outlining the properties of the DAS: “This inherent capability enables DAS to harvest, process and deliver key battlespace information to ground forces and other aircraft autonomously, without the need for cueing or increasing pilot workload.”

Friendly aircrafts are also precisely tracked by the DAS for tactical maneuvering purposes.