The 124th Fighter Wing’s Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) team has made history by becoming the first in the U.S. Air Force to deploy the Ametek Field Lab 58 (FL-58) for data capture and analysis during the Green Flag West exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, from October 27 to November 8, 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative follows two years of development by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), in collaboration with the Joint Oil Analysis Program. The goal is to replace the traditional, heavier, and more maintenance-intensive spectrometer with a more portable and cost-effective solution. The FL-58 promises significant operational advantages, offering greater mobility and ease of use in the field.
Staff Sgt. Nathan Layne, a NDI specialist with the 124th Maintenance Squadron, expressed his pride in being the first to field-test the FL-58: “I have the great pleasure of being the first person in the Air Force to use this machine in the field. We can now assess its capabilities and compare its pros and cons with a traditional spectrometer.”
Master Sgt. Dezeray Brockett, NDI NCO in charge and liaison for the Air National Guard, highlighted the major benefits of the FL-58: “This new technology is lighter, cheaper, and requires less maintenance, providing a unique opportunity to move this capability from the lab to the field. This is especially critical in a near-peer fight.”
In the past, using a traditional spectrometer required precise environmental conditions and extensive setup. However, the FL-58 eliminates the need for such controlled environments. Brockett emphasized, “With the FL-58, we no longer need to find the cleanest and warmest room or wait for the machine to self-regulate. This technology allows for quick, in-the-field analysis, which is essential for real-time operations.”
The 124th Fighter Wing also conducted mobility tests with the FL-58 at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in California, simulating a remote, uncontrolled environment to evaluate the FL-58’s effectiveness. The objective was to gather data and demonstrate the FL-58’s capability outside of controlled settings, a crucial step for field deployment.
Staff Sgt. Layne noted, “The purpose of using the FL-58 at NASNI was to gather real-world data. Until now, the unit has only been used in controlled environments. Testing it in the field allows us to assess its performance in dynamic conditions and ultimately replace conventional spectrometers across the Air Force.”
Nondestructive inspection (NDI) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and operability of aircraft. The 124th Fighter Wing uses non-invasive methods—such as sound waves, X-rays, magnets, and dyes—to detect cracks, weaknesses, and other issues in aircraft materials, components, and structures.
The introduction of the FL-58 is particularly valuable for inspecting high-cost assets like the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, where engine oil samples are analyzed for potential defects. With engines valued at $1.5 million each, the ability to diagnose and address issues down to specific parts or quadrants within the engine is vital for preventative maintenance.
Brockett remarked, “The FL-58 allows us to perform preventative maintenance on engines, helping avoid costly repairs and ensuring that aircraft are mission-ready.”
As military operations evolve, the 124th Fighter Wing continues to lead the way in adopting innovative technologies to improve efficiency and readiness. Their deployment of the FL-58 represents a major step forward in nondestructive inspection practices, reinforcing their commitment to “Always Ready. Always There.”
This article is based on content from DVIDSHub: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/486920/nondestructive-inspection-leading-way
