by Master Sgt. Kevin Gruenwald
36th Wing Public Affairs
2/25/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- 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 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 AFB to here 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.
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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 AFB, 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)
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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 AFB, 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 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)
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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 AFB, 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
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 AFB, 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 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior Airman
Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan prepare an F-22 canopy for
installation at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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 AFB, 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
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 AFB, 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 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan prepare an F-22 canopy for
installation at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior Airman
Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan guide a canopy onto an F-22 Raptor
at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th Expeditionary
Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance are deployed
out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of
the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and Airman Ott
are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and systems
specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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 AFB, 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
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 AFB, 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 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan prepare an F-22 canopy for
installation at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan guide a canopy onto an F-22
Raptor at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior Airman
Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan guide a canopy onto an F-22 Raptor
at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th Expeditionary
Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance are deployed
out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of
the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and Airman Ott
are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and systems
specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep Raptors covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
Egress technicians keep raptor pilots covered
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 AFB, 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
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 AFB, 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 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)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan prepare an F-22 canopy for
installation at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan guide a canopy onto an F-22
Raptor at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
Senior
Airman Ryan Ott and Staff Sgt. Tim Sullivan guide a canopy onto an F-22
Raptor at Andersen Air Force Base Feb. 18. Members of the 90th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 36th Expeditionary Maintenance
are deployed out of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in
support of the Pacific theater security package. Sergeant Sullivan and
Airman Ott are 36th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron F-22 egress and
systems specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
Download Full Image |
E-mail a friend
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
AFB, 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)
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