News>Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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(L-R) Staff Sgt. Terry Vickery, Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan, and Senior Airman Ryan Ott,
install an F-22 Raptor canopy using an east-west hoist Feb. 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Guam , for three months as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. The stealth-fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, comprise the 90th Fighter Squadron and will participate in various exercises that provide routine training in an environment different from their home station. All are F-22 Egress and Systems specialists, deployed from Elmendorf and assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) released
Senior Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan, 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 Egress and Systems specialists, prepare an F-22 canopy for installation at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance are deployed out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacifics Theater Security Package.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Senior Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan, 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 Egress and Systems specialists, guide an F-22 canopy onto a Raptor at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance are deployed out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacifics Theater Security Package.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Senior Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan, 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 Egress and Systems specialists, guide an F-22 canopy onto a Raptor at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. 2008. Members of the Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance are deployed out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacifics Theater Security Package.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Staff Sgt. Terry Vickery operates an east- west hoist during installation of an F-22 canopy Feb. 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Guam for three months as the Pacific’s Theater Security Package. The stealth-fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, comprise the 90th Fighter Squadron and will participate in various exercises that provide routine training in an environment different from their home station. Sgt. Vickery is an egress technician deployed from Elmendorf AFB and assigned to 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) released
Senior Airman Ryan Ott looks over an F-22 Raptor canopy before installation Feb. 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are on a deployment from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Andersen. The base has received 12 of the $140 million dollar aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces like the F-22 throughout the Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region. Airman Ott is an egress technician deployed from Elmendorf AFB and assigned to 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) released
Senior Airman Ryan Ott positions an F-22 Raptor canopy using an east-west hoist Feb. 18 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors are deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Guam for three months as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. The base has received 12 of the $140 million dollar aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces like the F-22 throughout the Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region. Airman Ott is an egress technician deployed from Elmendorf AFB and assigned to 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
by Master Sgt. Kevin Gruenwald
36th Wing Public Affairs
2/24/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A specialized polycarbonate is the main element that separates an F-22 Raptor pilot from threatening and compromising conditions like lightening strikes, blinding sun rays, and the possibility of bird strikes.
"The F-22 canopy is an integral part of the F-22 system and an engineering marvel, said Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez, 90th Fighter Squadron commander, it contributes to stealth design while at the same time provides excellent visibility and performance at supersonic speeds and high g-force conditions."
But from time to time, the state of the art canopies need to be replaced, and It's one of the jobs a Air Force egress technician faces to ensure the canopy components are installed properly and flawlessly operating.
"We have changed out multiple canopies during this deployment" said, Staff Sgt. Terry Vickery, 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron egress technician deployed here from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. "At the first sign of a stressed canopy we move forward with change out procedures."
While deployed, the change of climate takes its toll on the protective covering. Stress signatures like cracks, small tears and composite degrading are all common warning factors.
"I think the temperature and humidity is one of the biggest factors causing the damage to the canopies," said Sergeant Vickery. "We don't normally go through canopies this fast back home."
The Raptor canopy is designed to give the pilot an unprecedented high-tech workspace that ensures aerial dominance. It is designed to withstand and flex against force to prevent a shattering effect that could be catastrophic when engaged in high performance flying. It's resistant to chemical, biological, and environmental agents, and has been successfully tested to withstand the impact of a four-pound bird at 350 knots. It is also one of the very first "all-glass" cockpits for tactical fighters in the U.S Air Force.
Though a very important maintenance procedure, the Egress, Specialists Metals Tech, and Low Observable shops can complete the canopy switch out and have the jet ready to fly again in approximately two days.
The cutting edge Raptor canopy is also the first "night vision goggle" compatible cockpit, and is designed for helmet-mounted systems. The canopy is the largest piece of polycarbonate formed in the world with the largest Zone 1 (highest quality) optics for compatibility with helmet-mounted systems.
"We (Egress) only deal with canopies on the F-16 and the F-22. I think they are pretty similar as far as maintenance goes, but the maintenance on the F-22 seems to be a lot more time consuming and you have to be a little more careful with the F-22 due to the stealth material on the jet," said Sergeant Vickery.
Although challenging and work extensive, it is a very rewarding job. "The best part of being an egress technician is knowing that someday a system that we maintain will be responsible for saving someone's life." said Sergeant Vickery.
The F-22 Raptors are deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for a 90 day commitment to the continuing force posture adjustments, showcasing the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region.