Tech Team Restarts and Fills Up a Blazing F-35A for the Initial Occasion
Air Force Maintainers Successfully Test 'Hot' Integrated Combat Turns on F-35 Jets
A team of maintainers at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada has successfully conducted a first-of-its-kind test on the F-35, the service's fifth-generation fighter, by performing a "hot" integrated combat turn (ICT). This procedure allows for simultaneous refueling and rearming of the aircraft while its engines are still running, cutting down the usual three-hour turnaround time to as little as 25 minutes.
The team, which includes members from several government agencies and industry specialists, completed this groundbreaking operation on an F-35A in January, according to a spokesperson. Since then, further hot ICTs may have taken place, but specific details have not been disclosed.
Master Sgt. Sharlyn Smith, the operational test and evaluation superintendent for the 59th Test and Evaluation squadron, described the undertaking as a significant milestone for the growing testing maintenance community. Months of behind-the-scenes planning and investigation were required to ensure the safe execution of the mission, she said.
To prepare for the hot ICT, the team studied how the Marine Corps performs a similar procedure on its F-35B and C models, as well as how the Vermont Air National Guard rearms and refuels its F-35As. Due to the F-35's unique features, such as internal weapons bays and more electrical systems compared to fourth-generation aircraft, maintainers must adapt their procedures for the new fighter.
"We're going to be continuously developing this tactic to refine maintenance capabilities," said Master Sgt. Oliver Gutierrez, the F-15 and F-16 operational test and evaluation superintendent. "There are still creative solutions to get faster that we are working on, and we will not be stopping anytime soon."
The rapid turnaround for F-35 jets is crucial in a potential conflict, as studies show that most aircraft losses would occur on the ground. This expedited process could increase the sortie rate, keeping aircraft in the fight longer and enhancing survivability during dispersed or forward deployments.
Hot ICTs have proven valuable in real-world situations, such as during Air Force fighters' contribution to Israel's defense against a large-scale Iranian attack last year. One F-15E quickly expended all its munitions while taking down drones and managed to go back up in the air in just 30 minutes, before missiles and debris began raining down on the base.
Air Force officials hope that more units will adopt these procedures as F-35 maintenance techniques continue to advance, thus enhancing overall combat readiness and rapid response capabilities.
- The success of the "hot" integrated combat turn (ICT) on the F-35 aircraft could potentially be extended to the Space Force, revolutionizing the refueling and rearming process for space aircraft.
- Drones, once rearmed and refueled using the hot ICT procedure, could be deployed more swiftly in air force operations, increasing their effectiveness in various missions.
- As the air force industry implements hot ICTs across its fleet, financial budgets for aircraft maintenance may increase due to the adoption of advanced techniques that require specialized equipment and training for maintainers.
- Pilots looking to transition to the space force might find the skills they learn during the hot ICT training beneficial, as these skills emphasize quick thinking, effective resource management, and working with complex aircraft systems.
- The aerospace industry may soon witness the development of weapons that can be safely reloaded and rearming during flight, thanks to the advancements in the hot ICT technology, enhancing the overall capabilities of aircraft and spacecraft in various combat situations.
