Tag Archives: panel

Building a Big Box

I have stayed in the same hotel in Addison TX a couple of times recently for work trips.  The view from my window has been of a building site that has been progressively developing on each visit.  On one morning, I was just getting ready to check out when I could see the crew getting ready to lift a concrete panel into place.  The crane they were using was a substantial beast.  The crew were scattering to different locations to carry out their roles and then they started lifting the panel.  They had several lift lines which could be controlled individually to allow the, to rotate the panel as required.  Sadly I had to go before they finished.  I should be back before too long, though, so I shall see how progress is going.

 

Did Someone Patch This Raptor in a Hurry?

The F-22 Raptor has a complex coating system on the skin of the airframe that is part of the overall approach to stealth.  Normally, they look pretty well finished in order to preserve the performance of the system (although I have spotted a few jets with the green primer showing through worn finishes).  However, one or two of the jets that were at Red Flag had what almost looked like a panel missing from the spine of the jet.  Looking a bit closer, I think the panel had been replaced and the finishing of the surfaces around the work remained to be done.  It did look a bit of a mess though.  Checking some of the other jets, they also show this panel in a slightly different color.  Perhaps they have all been undergoing a modification program in this area?