Defense Secretary Leon Panetta issued a directive Tuesday ordering new safety precautions for the F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet after some pilots reported feeling the symptoms of oxygen deprivation.
Under the directive, automatic back-up oxygen systems will be placed in the aircrafts, pilots will be required to remain within a responsible range of a landing site and monthly progress reports will be required.
The Defense Department can not say how long the directive will be in place, but noted that the first retrofit of the aircrafts’ oxygen systems will be completed by December and will be followed by an additional 10 more each month.
12 pilots have reported feeling hypoxia like symptoms between April 2008 and January 2011.
