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.)
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.