Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, bends a section of titanium tubing March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Because many companies no longer manufacture certain aircraft parts for the B-1B Lancer, Airmen from the 7th EMS have to make or refurbish old parts to replace those that have worn out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, selects a piece of tubing March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Different tube sizes and types are used for different applications on the B-1B Lancer. Titanium, for example, is used for hydraulic pressure lines. Each tube must be cut and shaped perfectly, to ensure proper fit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, shapes a new hydraulic line for a B-1B Lancer March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. This machine has the ability to bend tubes varying from .375 to 1.5 inches in diameter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, places a piece of tubing into a tubing bender March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. This particular tube is made of titanium and will be used for repairing a hydraulic pressure line on a B-1B Lancer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, bends a titanium tube March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. If the replacement tube isn’t manufactured to the right shape, it may not be able to withstand mass amounts of pressure, which could be detrimental to the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, bends a section of titanium tubing March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Gann must ensure the tubing size and material is correct for the part being replaced so that it can withstand the pressure of the aircraft’s systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Withstanding the pressure

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, bends a section of titanium tubing March 26, 2014, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Titanium, stainless steel and aluminum tubes are precisely matched to damaged lines on the B-1B Lancer and C-130J that are being replaced to ensure a perfect fit when repairing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kia Atkins/Released)

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Photos: Withstanding the pressure

Published March 27, 2014
By Senior Airman Kia Atkins
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Gann, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, bends titanium tubing here March 26.

Because many companies no longer manufacture certain aircraft parts for the B-1B Lancer, Airmen from the 7th EMS have to make or refurbish old parts to replace those that have worn out.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.