All Variants of the F-35 will feature a “glass cockpit.” Such a system has all the data that the pilot needs placed conveniently and streamlined on digital screens. Previous aircraft used mechanical instruments to gauge data like altitude and airspeed and had a dedicated display for presenting the data. The new cockpit will be both simpler and interactive. There will be less distracting clutter allowing the pilot to better focus on the mission. The pilot will even be able to change what information is displayed each panel to fit the mission objective or the pilot’s individual preference. With help from the F-35’s advanced radar and LCD touch display in the F-35 is an even more streamlined derivative of the 4 separate monitors in the F-22 Raptor. The screen will be configurable to be able to drag info from one part of the panel to the other and presents the data in windows much like your home PC that can be opened and closed as the mission requirements evolve. The JSF will also have voice recognition software to give the pilot a hands-free option to controlling the plane’s functions. The most prominent exterior feature of the F-35 cockpit is the forward opening canopy. In the F-35B, the main lift fan that allows vertical landing is located right behind the pilot, where the canopy hinge and hardware are usually located. So, the hinge was moved to the front of the plane and in the Distributed Aperture System, the monitors will provide the pilot a 3d view of his surroundings. The single 20″x8″ 
interest of commonality the system was used on all models. You will also notice the jagged cut where the cockpit opens. A smooth surface would easily reflect enemy radar so like in the airframe of the F-117, the jagged surface will scatter the signature. In the case of an ejection, the canopy has detonation cord embedded in the safety glass and will shatter rather than having the canopy jettison whole. In earlier planes, the pilot being fired out at high speed ran the risk of a broken neck if his head hit the canopy. The integrated cockpit will feature an advanced Helmet Mounted Display and will not carry the usual Heads Up Display. This means the pilot can look around while maintaining contact with the display information. It also makes target acquisition and firing much more user friendly.
To see more of the F-35 cockpit, see the Future Weapons feature on the F-35.
