F-35s to get OBOGS upgrade

WASHINGTON - In response to reports of hypoxia-like symptoms experienced by Air Force F-35A pilots at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., the program office intends to make changes to the onboard oxygen generation system (OBOGS) to optimize oxygen flow for the pilots. The OBOGS modification will involve refining the algorithm associated with oxygen concentration, according to F-35 program office spokesman Brian Schiff. He also said: “There is no indication the delivered oxygen concentration was a contributor …” in the five incidents when pilots experienced hypoxia-like symptoms. OBOGS manufacturer Honeywell will be responsible for designing upgrades and a retrofit for all three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter. Investigation into the psychological events (PEs) is ongoing, with the JPO, F-35 PE team, Air Force’s 711 Human Performance Wing, and Navy Medical Research Unit at Dayton, Ohio, all engaged in analysis, Schiff said. The team will study how the aircraft ramp is set up and assess temperature and air quality data to ensure pilots are not suffering negative effects on the ground before takeoff that could be exacerbated during flight. (Source: Defense News 07/18/17) The issues have not only been limited to the AF variant at Luke AFB, but finding a root cause of the incidents has proven difficult for multiple military aircraft, including the Navy’s fleet-based F/A-18 Hornets and T-45C trainers used at Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Kingsville, Texas.