Earlier this year, the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base had to conquer a challenge; obtaining new saws allowing first responders to cut through the F-35 canopy in case of system failure.

The current tool, a K-12 circular saw, was problematic. It weighed 30 pounds with gas and required two of the strongest Joint Technical Data Verification team members to lift, apply force and control it. Since a verification test is required with the requested tools prior to purchasing new equipment, teams at Eglin Air Force Base worked with emergency first responders to determine the best saw to accomplish this important job for the 388th. The canopy transparency cut tests determined the new lightweight 7 ¼” 60V circular saws worked best. This lighter tool took away the body size limitations associated with operating it during a cut and also got the job done quicker. Having the 7 ¼” 60V circular saw will greatly support the duties of first responders, allowing a single person, with no certain physical attributes, to now operate the saw for emergency F-35 aircrew extraction. The F-35 canopy transparency cut testing allowed for an opportunistic concept to assist other government agencies during modernization of their emergency first responder equipment to meet current mission requirements.