Killface,
I can't help you on the price of the helmet, but a good place to get a point of truth on the F-35 programme is the US GAO website. A search there using 'F-35' or 'Joint Strike Fighter' will bring up a number of very clear and readable reports with accurate cost and schedule information.
The recent 'Quick Look' report (also called the 'Ahern' report after its senior author) can be found via the 'POGO' (Progress on Government Oversight') website. That gave an accurate, unbiased view of the state of the programme.
Best Regards
Engines
Last edited by Engines; 17th May 2013 at 20:40.
Reason: Added information