The F-22’s oxygen-generating problems continue to defy a massive scientific assault, but the Scientific Advisory Board, which is exploring the issue, is proposing a return-to-flight plan likely to be implemented in the coming week or two, sources told the Daily Report Monday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference. Flight restrictions will likely apply to training aircraft, and a series of rules are being developed for operational types. The SAB has applied tremendous resources to investigating the issue, to include 16 flights with a heavily instrumented F-22. The problem—contamination and reduced output of the onboard oxygen generating system—is not easy to reproduce. Outgassing of vent materials and conditioning of the ram air itself seem not to be the culprits, although intake of air in confined spaces with the engines running may play a role. There are also indications that heavy G-loading of the F-22 may hamper the OBOGS, but a root cause for all incidents remains elusive. The SAB will continue to work and plans a report in October; a publicly releasable version will also be made available.
The Space Force is preparing for significant growth to its procurement budget in fiscal 2027, and the head of the service’s largest acquisition organization said April 14 he is asking companies to invest now in facilities and production capacity so they’re ready to execute when called upon.