Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs (Feb. 23, 2006): Raptor capabilities present new challenges.HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- The F-22 Raptor's unequaled capabilities bring some unique challenges to Air Force maintainers at Ogden Air Logistics Center, not the least of which is gearing up a support machine to handle the maintenance workload when the first Raptors arrive for modifications in April. Approximately 18 of the 21st century fighter aircraft fighter aircraft Aircraft designed primarily to secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat. Designed for high speed and maneuverability, they are armed with weapons capable of striking other aircraft in flight. will see depot maintenance That maintenance performed on materiel requiring major overhaul or a complete rebuild of parts, assemblies, subassemblies, and end-items, including the manufacture of parts, modifications, testing, and reclamation as required. at Hill throughout the first year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The first aircraft," according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Mike Dooner, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group F-22 production chief, "will have the lighting system for night air-to-air refueling system upgraded ... along with a few other minor factory modifications." The challenge for maintainers is keeping up with the latest weapon system technology, he said. "But our technicians and support personnel have spent most of their careers working with new technology, "he added, "so it won't be a new challenge." But preparing for the workload is an adventure in itself. Depot activation for a new weapon 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 Don Hall-ford, F-22 program manager. Maintainers have to work supply line issues--making sure needed parts are on hand among other things, building a work area specifically for the F-22, and developing training requirements for mechanics. "Most maintainers will tell you that being on the ground floor of a new weapon system is unique," said Dooner. "A lot of hard work goes into getting it off the ground but in the end, you have the opportunity to implement new ideas "New Ideas" is the debut single by Scottish New Wave/Indie Rock act The Dykeenies. It was first released as a Double A-side with "Will It Happen Tonight?" on July 17, 2006. The band also recorded a video for the track. and ways of doing business. We have the chance to start anew a·new adv. 1. Once more; again. 2. In a new and different way, form, or manner. [Middle English : a, of (from Old English of; see of) + new , eliminating waste from our processes and procedures up front. "And while the F-22 presents challenges when it comes to stealth technology stealth technology, designs and materials engineered for the military purpose of avoiding detection by radar or any other electronic system. Stealth, or antidetection, technology is applied to vehicles (e.g. , we've been working B-2 bomber bomber Military aircraft designed to drop bombs on surface targets. Aerial bombardment can be traced to the Italo-Turkish War (1911), in which an Italian pilot dropped grenades on two Turkish targets. maintenance for a while--about seven years--so we have experience in that field as well," he emphasized. The maintainers continue, however, to take a proactive approach by sending personnel to field training detachments for hands-on schooling. 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," said Dooner. "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." 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. Volb is with Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. , Hill AFB AFB abbr. acid-fast bacillus AFB Acid-fast bacillus, also 1. Aflatoxin B 2. Aorto-femoral bypass , Utah. |
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