F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam

F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam
By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Oct 4, 2009 9:30:57 EDT

Rain and Raptors don’t mix.

Wet conditions at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, caused mechanical problems in a dozen F-22 Raptor fighters deployed to the Pacific island from the much less rainy Alaska.

Guam, about 3,800 miles west-southwest of Hawaii, averages 80 to 110 inches of rain a year, according to the National Weather Service. The U.S. territory gets much of its precipitation during the rainy season of July through December.

The jets’ cooling systems drew in moisture from the air, which caused shorts and failures in sophisticated electrical components.

For relatively new aircraft such as the F-22, which joined the fleet five years ago, maintenance glitches are common, said Col. Edward Thomas, director of public affairs for Pacific Air Forces.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/airforce_F22_100409w/



uhc comment: $350 million a pop and you can't get them wet. :rofl: