Robins F-15 shop critical to Air Force flying mission Published Jan. 17, 2014 By Jenny Gordon Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The canopy that protects a pilot's body while flying the Air Force's F-15 is crucial. Technical expertise involved in ensuring the tactical fighter's canopy safeguards pilots while in the air happens right here in the 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron's F-15 Canopy Shop in Bldg. 350. "Once a canopy comes to us, it's a total re-build," said Jerry McWilliams, work leader. "We're the only shop in the Air Force that works canopies." McWilliam's shop disassembles the canopies, while employees in another shop in Bldg. 142 perform extensive repair on the acrylic canopy itself, polishing it to ensure pilots always have a clear view. Canopies that come in are sent to the shop's 'tear-down' area, where the canopy and subassembly parts are removed. The frame is sent there to be cleaned, then sent back for rebuilding. It takes about three weeks to work a single canopy, which come in both one- and two-seat F-15s. The average is about five to six monthly. There's been some design change in the hinge arms which lift the canopies, according to McWilliams, so they're changed out each time. When a canopy comes in from the other shop, it goes into one of five fixtures or stands where work is performed. There are currently three work fixtures for one-seat canopies, two for the two-seat, with a third coming soon. Humidity can play a role in how often the canopies are changed out. In fact, it can cause them to warp, affecting a pilot's visibility while flying. Over in Bldg. 142, mechanics are able to pinpoint any distortions in the glass by looking at a special grid on a wall. About 50 percent of materials on the canopy originate at Robins, with its original Boeing frames and glass provided by an outside vendor. The hinge arms are manufactured here. There is ongoing discussion to continue to address major issues that affect the canopies, including humidity and storage issues.