EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) (June. 4 1999) --Logistics testing in the F-22 Combined Test Force has saved the Air Force more than $13.5 million, according to Air Force officials.

The 412th Test Squadron here, along with other members of the F-22 CTF, identified and completely redesigned the launchers, located in the weapons bay beneath the F-22 Raptor.

"The original launcher failed to meet the requested weight specifications and was not maintenance friendly," said Capt. Don Supon, F-22 CTF.

"The original launcher was a horizontal-type launcher that would swing down and then launch the missile," Supon said. "The new design is a vertical ejection type of launcher. This means the missiles are pushed straight down out of the weapons bay."

The new launchers weigh almost 300 pounds less.

"With the weight of the old launcher, it had to be installed using support equipment," said Supon. "The new launcher is light enough that two people can lift it while a third person installs the attaching bolts."

The new launcher also makes it easier for aircraft maintainers to work on the Raptor.

"There are several components that can be easily removed and worked on," said Supon. "The new launcher also enables us to achieve safer separations of missiles out of the main weapons bays."

Logistics testing of this type will continue in the F-22 test program for the next three years.

"Early involvement by logistic people in the design process dramatically reduced the risks and costs associated with the new launcher," said Supon. "Continued testing has led to minor changes on the new launcher, which, while not costing any additional money to the program, increased the effectiveness of the launcher.

"A flaw in the locking mechanism hooks (that hold the missile) prevented the hooks from closing like they were designed to. After the defect was pointed out, simply rounding out a squared corner corrected the problem.

"Without this kind of logistics testing involvement early," Supon added, "these launchers could get fielded with minor defects that would have the potential of costing a lot of man-hours to correct later."

Different types of logistics testing have been going on at Edwards for many years.

"In the late 1980s, we began formalized logistics testing with the B-2 (bomber) program," said Frank McGowan, 412th Logistics Group, Logistics Flight chief.

"The C-17 (airlifter) program took logistics testing to a more comprehensive level," McGowan said. "For example, we introduced the logistics test management system (computer software) which uses a database system to record, track and analyze logistics test data collected by the maintainers. Then it's used to evaluate system performance."

Improvements during logistics testing saves the Air Force money.

"Without logistics testing, we would be fielding aircraft which might have simple-to-correct deficiencies," said Master Sgt. Richard Fournier, 412th Logistics Group logistics test manager. "If you find deficiencies early, then you can fix them during testing and then incorporate the changes into the production model prior to going into full production.

"The C-17 program had 355 recommended improvements, found during logistics testing, incorporated into the production model," said Fournier.

The F-22 program has now taken logistics testing to yet another level.

"While earlier programs viewed logistics tests as an add-on to the test process, the F-22 test program incorporated it from the beginning," said McGowan

Success stories such as this almost always involve a team effort.

"The combined efforts of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron and the 412th Test Squadron made this improvement a reality," said Supon. "When professionals such as these come together, success is an automatic product." (Article courtesy US Air Force News)