Capt. Jammie Jamieson poses with F-22A block no. 01-4023 in this photo dated March 20th, 2008. The Capt. is the first female operational and combat-ready pilot of the F-22. [USAF Courtesy photo] Toxins Grounded F-22s: Sources -- Defense News
Post-Flight Tests Found Chemicals in Pilots' Blood
The U.S. Air Force's fleet of F-22 Raptor fighters has been grounded since May 3 due to toxins entering the cockpit via the aircraft's life support systems, sources with extensive F-22 experience said.
Service leaders grounded the stealthy twin-engine fighter after pilots suffered "hypoxialike symptoms" on 14 occasions. The incidents affected Raptor pilots at six of seven F-22 bases; the exception is Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
But despite an investigation that has spanned nearly three months, no one yet knows what toxin or combinations of toxins might have caused the incidents, nor is it clear exactly how the chemicals are entering the pilots' air supply, sources said.
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My Comment: For America's elite pilots .... this news confirms some of their worst fears. The mechanics on the F-22s will eventually be fixed, but the long term impact on the health of these pilots is an unknown area.
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