These upgrades will enhance aircraft position acquisition, mission awareness, and improving working conditions which will expedite aircraft servicing which in turn enhances mission generation rates.

Background. After several years, a project was recently completed that provided shelters for F-22 aircraft. The shelters provide cover from harmful UV rays that deteriorate coatings and create dangerous high heat conditions for pilots and maintainers. The shelters also provide cover from rain and moisture which is detrimental to sensitive components. The shelters are metal and have created challenges for GPS signal acquisition which delays launches and hampers maintenance operational checks which drives manpower for the sole purpose of towing an aircraft for ops checks. It also delays pilots from being confident that navigation errors are likely reception, vice malfunction, but will not know until taxi, when maintenance action is no longer possible without increased delay to mission. Shelter design, aircraft GPS receiver, and GPS coverage are unique to each base, however there is potential benefit to multiple locations and platforms. The shelters also shade the aircraft and workspace from ramp lighting resulting in inadequate lighting under the shelter. This drives delays in maintenance, additional light cart equipment, security concerns, and is a potential hazardous work condition. Lastly, aircraft maintenance is loud. Engine run, auxiliary power units, and aircraft generation equipment requires double hearing protection. Mobile radios are adequate, but drives accountability and charging issues, and issuing a radio for every member is not practical nor fiscally prudent. A status / message board with audio speaker and strobe that could provide real time updates to each slot via wireless data could reduce missed communication gaps, raise awareness, and aid in aircraft assignment prioritization, leading to higher mission capable rates. Other locations may have similar challenges depending on shelter / aircraft type and may have already installed possible alternatives.

Scope:

A: Review and define GPS repeater (L2 band) capability and install within existing shelters to replicate acceptable GPS signal reception while in shelters.

B. Provide shelter lighting within shelter.

C. Provide wireless C2 monitors or message boards with speakers for real time updates and status.

Consideration for stand-alone, solar roof mount and battery infrastructure will minimize impact to ramp while achieving a net zero electricity draw.

Request funding for implementation shelter infrastructure solution for the CAF.