Author | Message |
Higgsr71See my 863 Photos |
2007-11-05 GMT-5 hours |
From the Air Force web page
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123074547 11/4/2007 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force suspended non-mission critical F-15 flight operations on Nov. 3 following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C aircraft Nov. 2. The cause of that accident is still under investigation, however, preliminary findings indicate that a possible structural failure of the aircraft may have occurred. The suspension of flight operations is a precautionary measure. The Air Force will ensure mission requirements are met for worldwide operations normally accomplished by the F-15. Current F-15 flying locations include bases in the continental United States, Alaska, England, Hawaii, Japan and the Middle East. There are more than 700 F-15s in the Air Force inventory. The F-15 reached initial operational capability for the Air Force in September 1975. While the F-15 continues to serve its country well, the Air Force is replacing its aging F-15 fighters with its fifth generation of air superiority, the F-22 Raptor. The F-22 is the world's most advanced fighter aircraft combining stealth, supercruise, maneverability and integrated avionics to provide unmatched warfighting capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. The F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories. The F-15E's were operated mainly at night, hunting SCUD missile launchers and artillery sites using the LANTIRN system. They have since been deployed for air expeditionary force deployments and Operations Southern Watch -- the no-fly zone in Southern Iraq, Provide Comfort in Turkey, Allied Force in Bosnia, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. Regards |
Author | Message |
N74JW |
2007-11-05 GMT-5 hours |
Hi,
This is a knee-jerk reaction to the incident. Hopefully, this will motivate the USAF to round up the really old eagles and retire them. I would start with machines over 20yrs old. This may not be the most practical solution given the current age of the USAF's eagle fleet. Some squadrons may have to deactivate, or trade to other equipment for the time being. Complete inspections of the airframe, electrical sub-systems, and other components need to take place in order to determine which to retire. Balance this with the cost to repair or upgrade the airframes in question can also help the decision process. I love the F-15 and consider it one of the finest fighters ever developed, but it cannot fly forever. |