F-22 All Weather Fighter: Recent ECS Testing Results

Robert J. Hogle, 773rd Test Engineering Squadron, Edwards AFB, USA
Austin M. Curtis, 773rd Test Engineering Squadron, Edwards AFB, USA
Ryan A. Howland, 411th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, USA
Daniel Javorsek II, 411th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, USA

Abstract

Since meeting initial operating capability (IOC) on 15 December, 2005 the F-22 Raptor has been operated in a wide range of locations with environments as diverse as the tropics and the frozen tundra. Each of the locations reflected environmental conditions significantly different from the Mojave Desert where the aircraft was flight tested.

Budget constraints early in the program prohibited a complete characterization of the environmental control system (ECS) with an instrumented aircraft. This decision significantly impacted flight test and resulted in reactive testing, subsequent to IOC, to troubleshoot system behavior and test potential solutions. Over the last five years, the warfighter has encountered lingering ECS problems including elevated failure rates due to condensation and numerous issues with the liquid cooling subsystem.

Lessons learned from developmental test are summarized with a focus on concepts of interest to the flight test community including: efforts in reducing condensation, cockpit conditioning system response, quantifying the effects of contaminates, and redundant leak detection in liquid cooling subsystems.