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60 Minutes: Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?

Discussion in 'General Topics' started by GatorFC, May 6, 2012.

  1. GatorFC Well-Known Member

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    Caught the tail end of this on 60 Minutes tonight and didn't know the context for these pilots' refusal to fly the raptor. Here's the full segment from the CBS News website.

    Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?
  2. MikeD Administrator

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    There is some as yet unknown problem with the jet's OBOGS system. A little while back, some F-22 pilots had blood tested that showed signs of blood poisoning by similar chemicals that are found in vehicle antifreeze. Over the past months, there have been a good number of IFEs for physiological incidents related to oxygen problems. And many feel that the Alaska crash which killed the pilot and deemed pilot error, was a hastily investigated and engineered whitewash.
  3. bunk22 Well-Known Member

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    Gotta love that OBOGS system!! Even in the Hornet world, it's a big issue..trickles down to our OBOGS system as well.
  4. trafficinsight Well-Known Member

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    melt em all down and build an endless supply of F-16's and A-10's ;)
    cmhumphr likes this.
  5. wheelsup Well-Known Member

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    Sweet 'stache
  6. Pilotforhire587 Lycra Man

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  7. Soku39 Well-Known Member

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    Is it harsh to say that at this point I'm almost sick of hearing about this?
  8. Pilotforhire587 Lycra Man

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    I think so... Especially now, I think issues like this getting public attention are all that will really pressure solutions to be found.
  9. Zondaracer Well-Known Member

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  10. Brn N Rubr Well-Known Member

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    I'd say bring back the TomCat....
  11. Autothrust Blue Put your hat on.

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    For the sorts of warfare we're engaged in these days, ground-attack turboprop airplanes might make more sense too. (Probably cheaper...)
    inigo88 likes this.
  12. killbilly Vocals, Lyrics, Triangle, Washboard, Kittens

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    Bring back the OV-10! Long live the Super Tucano!
    inigo88 likes this.
  13. Pilotforhire587 Lycra Man

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    You mean like the Spectre?
  14. Autothrust Blue Put your hat on.

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    Needs more Embraer.

    [IMG]
  15. Cazadores Well-Known Member

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    Meh....Bring back the SKYRAIDER!!!!! SPADS 4EVER!!!!!

    [IMG]
  16. thevideographer Well-Known Member

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    Probably more expensive to run than an A10.
  17. Cazadores Well-Known Member

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    Probably, and the A-10 is pretty much my favorite jet in the USAF inventory, but the AD just did the job with such timeless, humble elegance, and it is hard to beat the sound of its huge radial or the vibrating thump it gives in your chest...:)
  18. jdlilfan Well-Known Member

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    Plus it could stay aloft for hours working and fly slow enough to escort helos.
  19. Cazadores Well-Known Member

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    All the while carrying enough ordnance to make those hours worthwhile. I just love the story of a design thought to be obsolete which as hard as its critics fight it, just keeps coming back and finding a niche. No jets, no long range missiles, no "gee whiz" technology, just a tough, solid design and smart, incredibly courageous pilots at the controls. Not only is the AD a great plane to see and watch fly, it really does have a great history...Love that plane.
  20. Cazadores Well-Known Member

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    And yes, probably unbelievably expensive to own and fly. Would love to have one, and a T-28, but unless I start playing Megabucks, and winning.....

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