By Marina Malenic
The Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fleet has been grounded until “further notice,” according to U.S. Air Combat Command.
“The stand-down is a prudent measure following recent reports of oxygen system malfunction,” Gen. Will Fraser, the command’s chief, said in a May 6 press statement.
F-22 pilots have recently reported hypoxia and compression sickness following training sorties. The aircraft are still permitted to fly on urgent “national security directed missions,” but routine patrols and training are now forbidden, according to ACC.
The Air Force’s 165 F-22s are based in Virginia, New Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.
The On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) has been under investigation since an F-22 crashed in Alaska in November, according to the Air Force. Until the last week’s grounding, flights had been restricted to an altitude of 25,000 feet or below for training missions.
ACC officials would not comment on how long the grounding might last, but they said they plan to use the opportunity “to investigate the reports and ensure crews are able to safely accomplish their missions.”