Hawaii Air National Guard develops custom stands to revolutionise F-22 Raptor maintenance

By Defence Industry Europe, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard

A team of maintenance Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard has transformed F-22 Raptor maintenance with the introduction of custom-designed stands. Debuting in September at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the stands are tailored for the aircraft’s unique structure, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.

 

The initiative began in 2019 when Master Sgt. Scott Kamali’i and his team from the 154th Maintenance Squadron identified the need for better equipment to access the F-22’s hard-to-reach areas. Prioritising safety and functionality, the Airmen developed a design to address the challenges of maintaining one of the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft.

Despite setbacks during the project’s development, including delays in 2020, the team persevered. Master Sgt. Preston Yockeman’s discovery of a potential solution at a tool convention reignited progress, leading to the prototype’s approval with support from the National Guard Bureau (NGB).

 

 

The stands, designed to wrap around the F-22’s angular wings and fuselage, minimise the risk of accidental damage while providing maintainers with secure and spacious platforms. The innovation enhances safety, reduces downtime, and improves the working conditions for Airmen handling routine maintenance tasks.

“These stands are a game changer,” said Kamali’i. “They improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance the quality of life for our maintainers.”

Previously, maintenance crews relied on generic work stands and passive fall protection systems, which offered limited accessibility. The new stands provide a tailored solution, bridging safety and functionality for personnel and tools.

Airman 1st Class Ashley Blanco, a low-observable specialist, noted the practical benefits of the new equipment. “It helps us work more efficiently, reduces strain, and motivates us to reenlist because we feel valued,” Blanco explained.

 

 

The collaborative design process included input from maintainers, contractors, and project managers, ensuring the stands met critical safety and usability standards. Their success has drawn interest from other units, setting a new benchmark for F-22 maintenance operations.

“This initiative demonstrates the ingenuity of our Airmen and sets the stage for future advancements,” said Maj. Zachary Chang, deputy commander of the 154th Maintenance Squadron. “It’s a testament to teamwork and innovation.”

 

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