The A
ir Force has just concluded three weeks of cold-weather testing for the new F-22A stealth fighter at Eielson AFB, Alaska. A contingent from the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., traveled to Eielson to test the Raptor’s ability to stop on poor surfaces, whether snow or ice, which is a “challenge for every Air Force jet,” said test pilot Maj. Jack Fischer. The aircraft’s anti-skid system is unique to the F-22 and is “like the anti-lock brake system in your car—but on steroids,” explained Fischer. The result, he said, was that the fighter demonstrated “incredible brake-system stability on low-friction surfaces.” (Report by A1C Nora Anton.)
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
