WASHINGTON, May 15 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta onTuesday announced new measures to restrict the flight missions bythe 5th-generation F-22 Raptor fighters, after pilots continuedcomplaining about hypoxia-like symptoms during flight. Panetta has directed the U.S. Air Force to take three new measuresin order to ensure the safety of F-22 fighter pilots, Pentagonspokesman George Little told reporters at a news briefing. The measures include the installation of an automatic back-upoxygen system in all F-22 fighters, suspension of long-duration airspace control flights by the F-22 fighters, especially in Alaska,and providing a monthly progress report on fixing the problem. "Secretary Panetta believes the department must do everythingpossible to ensure pilot safety and minimize flight risks. He willcontinue to closely monitor the Air Force's efforts to enhance thesafety of this very important aircraft," Little said. Asked why Panetta did not order to ground all F-22 fighter jetsuntil the problem is completely fixed, Little said that "alloptions remain on the table" as the defense chief will receiveregular updates. But he added that, in terms of the deployment of F-22 fighters insouthwest Asia, Washington will not change the plan as "we believethat we can safely continue that deployment given the geography ofthe region." Little stressed that, despite the problems reported, the F-22fighters remain the most advanced U.S. fighter aircraft, whosecapabilities are important to maintaining the U.S. air superiorityand national security objectives, whether it's protecting the U.S.air space or deploying overseas as part of deterrence andengagement efforts. Panetta supports the measures taken so far by the Air Force topursue all plausible hypotheses and determine the root causes ofthe hypoxia-like symptoms experienced by F-22 pilots, he added. The U.S. Air Force has been examining a total of 25 reports by F-22fighter pilots who experienced hypoxia-like symptoms during flight,or oxygen deficiency. The fleet was grounded in May 2011 for inspection of thecomplaints, but they were cleared to return to sky after fourmonths, with equipment modifications and new rules including thedaily inspection of life-support systems. However, there have been 11 new complaints from pilots about thesame hypoxia-like symptoms since last September, showing that theproblem that used to haunt the pilots is still there. Adding to themystery, some ground maintainers, who sometimes have to do theirjob inside the cockpit, have also reported hypoxia-like symptoms. The problem aroused widespread concerns and embarrassed the AirForce when two F-22 fighter pilots from the Virginia Air NationalGuard went public in early May with their complains about thehypoxia symptoms in an rare interview with the CBS "60 Minutes" TVprogram. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Flexible Led Strip Lighting Manufacturer , Removing Iphone Screen Protector Manufacturer for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Led Flashlight Keychains.
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