<i>M&M, do you know anyone in this article? I know this jet very well. It was our loads/envelope expansion mule until it got bent in a massive over g incident. It still looks decent, doesn't it? Hard to believe it survived over 10 negative g's!!! We were sorry to see it retired.</i>
Ogden ALC Gears Up for F-22 Workload (Posted: Thursday, March 02, 2006)
[Ogden Hilltop Times, March 2, 2006]
by G. A. Volb
Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
The F-22 Raptor’s unequaled capabilities bring some unique challenges to Air Force maintainers here -- not the least of which is gearing up a support machine to handle the maintenance workload come April when the first Raptors arrive at Hill for modifications.
<img src="http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL702/3046559/6177620/131492314.jpg" border=0>
Photo by G. A. Volb
Bret Hickenbotham, a 17-year aircraft structural mechanic with the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group, identifies various areas on the F-22 Raptor trainer at Hill that will be affected by a modification for night, air-to-air refueling, while also inspecting its structural integrity. (Click on photo for an enlarged view)
Approximately 18 of the 21st century fighter aircraft will see depot maintenance at Hill throughout the first year.
“The first aircraft,” according to 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group F-22 Production Chief Mike Dooner, “will have the lighting system upgraded that is used for night, air-to-air refueling … along with a few other minor factory modifications.”
The challenge for Hill maintainers of the multi-role, air dominance fighter is keeping up with the “latest weapon system technology,” Mr. Dooner said. “But our technicians and support personnel have spent most of their careers working with new technology, so it won’t be a new challenge.”
But preparing for the workload is an adventure in itself. Depot activation for a new weapons system always presents challenges, but even more so for the F-22 given its high-end technology and sensitive profile.
“We’re partnering with the aircraft’s original equipment manufacturers (Lockheed-Martin and Boeing) to ensure we have the supply support we need,” said F-22 Program Manager for the 309th Maintenance Wing Don Hallford. Maintainers have to work supply line issues -- making sure needed parts are on hand -- as well as building a work area specifically for the F-22 and developing training requirements for mechanics.
The Raptor combines sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness and weaponry providing pilots first-kill opportunity against threats airborne or on the ground. F-22 crews use a sophisticated sensor suite to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected.
“Most maintainers will tell you that being on the ground floor of a new weapon system is unique,” Mr. Dooner said. “A lot of hard work goes into getting it off the ground, but in the end, you have the opportunity to implement new ideas and ways of doing business. We have the chance to start anew, eliminating waste from our processes and procedures up front.
“And while the F-22 presents challenges when it comes to Stealth technology,” he emphasized, “we’ve been working B-2 bomber maintenance for a while – about seven years – so we have experience in that field as well.
The maintainers continue, however, to take a proactive approach by sending personnel to field training detachments for hands-on schooling.
“Hill has the reputation of being a first-class depot,” Mr. Dooner said. “Our customers know our No. 1 priority is to give them a quality product, on time and at cost in support of the war fighter and their mission.”
By virtue of the F-22 design, it’s hoped maintainers will find their work a little more “user-friendly.”
According to officials, the Raptor will have better
reliability and maintainability than any fighter aircraft in Air Force history.
An F-22 squadron also requires less than half the airlift of an F-15 squadron to deploy. Plus, the aircraft’s increased reliability and maintainability pays off in less manpower to fix it and the ability to operate more efficiently.
“People are excited to start working on it,” Mr. Dooner said. “We have heard about this aircraft for years now, and the maintenance and support teams are eager to dive in and get their hands dirty.”
Mr. Dooner said experienced technicians and support personnel from all over the base will help implement the workload associated with the F-22 coming in April. Initially, maintainers are looking at between 30-35 flow days to turn around each aircraft.
Ninety percent of the game is half mental.
Edited by - a10stress on Mar 02 2006 1:51 PM
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