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Squadron assists in preserving Air Force history

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron spent approximately 600 hours preserving Air Force history restoring an YF-22 prototype for display.

The prototype, which eventually developed in the F-22 Raptor, went on display June 11 at the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum at Edwards AFB, Calif. Squadron members, with volunteers from the 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, made it all a reality.

"A feeling of deep satisfaction was what I felt after seeing the aircraft parked in the museum," said Master Sgt. David Holzer, who coordinated the effort to sand and recoat the aircraft. "This feeling comes from all the time the team spent making this happen."

An initial step for bringing the plane to Edwards began two years ago, according to Fred Johnsen, the museum director. Volunteers flew to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and dismantled the wings and tail to prepare for shipping. A C-5 Galaxy flew the YF-22 out west.

The prototype took 43 test flights at Edwards, prior to becoming operational in the Air Force.

Since the test program was conducted at the base, it is an important artifact to have, Mr. Johnsen said.

"It means a lot to us in so many ways," he said. "People are astounded to see [it]."

Upon arrival at Edwards, the aircraft was reassembled and towed to the paint facility. A team of four sanded, filled voids, primed and then top-coated the entire aircraft surface.

The director praised the cleverness of the 22 crewmembers that worked on the prototype, as it was constructed vastly different than the final version of the F-22.

"It looks operational," he said.

The 31st TES, part of the 53rd Wing, is located at Edwards AFB. The squadron evaluates the operational effectiveness and suitability of advanced Air Combat Command weapon systems. Current operational test and evaluation programs involve the B-52, B-1, B-2, F-22, F-35, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper and the Airborne Laser.