U.S. continues oxygen system checks

WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI)

The U.S. Air Force is continuing a review of its aircraft equipped with oxygen generation systems, Air Force officials said.

Following the fleet-wide stand-down of the F-22 Raptor directed by Air Combat Command leadership in May, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley directed the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board to conduct a quick-look study, gather and evaluate information and recommend any needed corrective actions on aircraft using on-board oxygen generation systems.

In addition to the F-22, the action includes the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, CV-22 Osprey, T-6 Texan II and other aircraft.

Retired Air Force Gen. Gregory Martin, former commander of both Air Force Materiel Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe, is leading a senior team of scientific and technical experts in the study.

The team will expand on previous safety and accident investigations and may include other agencies or industry partners, officials said.

In a series of carefully controlled in-flight tests, the team will examine subsystems identified in reported incidents. These include 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 all potential technical, causal and contributory factors have been fully considered and that all appropriate steps are being taken to enhance flight safety."

With the exception of standing down F-22 flight operations, Air Force units will continue normal operations during the SAB quick-look study.