Photo By Airman 1st Class Aidan Martinez | Chris McLennan, chief technology officer, showcases the mask portion of the Integrated...... read more read more
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ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England — A new system called the Integrated Respirator Information System (IRIS) is changing how aircraft maintainers work in confined and hazardous spaces.
The IRIS provides point-of-view video, two-way audio and a headlamp so maintainers outside confined spaces can monitor work in real time.
The system was first developed in 2018 by Mia Tobitt, who worked on innovation projects, and a team of Airmen from the 100th Maintenance Squadron. The idea for the system was first developed by a team from 100th MXS and later advanced to compete in the 2019 Air Force’s Spark Tank innovation competition.
Though the IRIS did not place first in the Spark Tank competition, it earned enough support to have funding and begin development.
“Regardless of whether we were the first choice or not, we still won,” Tobitt said.
The project faced challenges, including years of testing to meet official safety standards. However, the rigorous certification process ensured the IRIS was safe for use in fuel tanks and other areas with explosive vapors.
The IRIS has the potential to save more than 35,000 work hours annually on KC-135 aircraft maintenance. Additionally, the system could return about 7,000 days of aircraft availability each year.
It also reduces the number of times maintainers must re-enter tanks, improving safety and efficiency. In the future, the IRIS could link directly to the broad Air Force network to allow immediate emergency alerts and live technical support from engineers.
Tobitt further explained that the IRIS has potential for use outside the world of aircraft maintenance. Confined space workers in civil engineering, fire protection and emergency services could benefit from the technology.
“Nothing’s too big,” said Tobitt. “If you’ve got an idea, talk to someone, have that conversation. If we hadn’t, this wouldn’t be here today.”
From small beginnings, to the demonstration held here at RAF Mildenhall, the IRIS project stands as a testament to what Airmen can achieve when they embody innovation.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 09:25 |
| Story ID: | 549393 |
| Location: | RAF MILDENHALL, SUFFOLK, GB |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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