Air Force Secretary Michael Donley has directed the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board to conduct a quick-look study of the onboard oxygen-generation systems used on the F-22 and the service’s other aircraft, USAF officials announced Thursday. This move comes after the stand-down of the F-22 fleet in May due to concern over the Raptors’ OBOGS. Retired Gen. Gregory Martin is leading a senior team of scientific and technical experts in this study. They will gather and evaluate information and recommend any needed corrective actions for the F-22 OBOGS as well as those used on the A-10, F-15E, F-16, F-35, B-1, B-2, CV-22, T-6, and other aircraft, as appropriate. A series of carefully controlled in-flight tests will examine subsystems including the pressurization system, mask, and cockpit oxygen levels. “The safety of our aircrews is paramount,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, Air Force Chief of Safety. “This review is a prudent step to ensure [that].” With the exception of F-22s, Air Force units will continue normal operations during the study. At this time, there’s no intention to ground any other aircraft in the inventory, said the officials. (SAF/PA report by Maj. Chad Steffey)
Depot-level maintenance took longer than expected for nearly three-quarters of Air Force aircraft from fiscal 2019-2024, according to a new report, as unplanned repairs rise across the aging fleet. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, also found that the extent of the delays has been masked because officials often revise their target timelines after unplanned work occurs.