Futuristic new helmets will enable fighter jet pilots to see through their own aircraft, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The head gear being developed for the hi-tech F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is being tested by MoD scientists at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

An MoD spokesman said: "Unlike other jet aircraft the JSF, which is planned to replace the Harrier, does not have a traditional head-up display.

Instead the computerised symbology will be displayed directly on to the pilot's visors, providing the pilot with cues for flying, navigating and fighting the aircraft.

"It even will superimpose infra-red imagery on to the visor to allow the pilot to look through the cockpit floor at night and see the world below - like something out of Terminator.

"This is absolutely the cutting edge of technology. No other helmet will be able to do this."

The head gear, currently at prototype stage, is being developed by Vision Systems International and Helmet Integrated Systems Limited.