Air Force F-15 a Through D Ordered to Stand Down

The U.S. Air Force is facing another stand down of air craft. The concern this time focuses on all F-15 A through D model Strike Eagles of the Pacific Air Force (PACAF). Air Force General Paul Hester ordered the stand down for thorough inspections and any necessary repairs. The stand down order follows the conclusion of an accident involving an F-15C this month. The order will not only allow for inspections but will also allow engineers to evaluate and make recommendations which will allow the potent fighter to return to active service. The PACAF includes F-15 fighters based at Japanese Air Base of Kadena, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and Hickam AFB in Hawaii.

Findings from the November incident suggested that there is a potential problem with the longerons which are located near the canopy of the aircraft. Longerons are the elongated metal rails which are specifically designed to hold the fuselage together. The investigation suggested that the longerons of the aircraft under investigation may have cracked which lead to the structural failure. The stand down will allow the Air Force to determine if the incident was specific or is a problem of some or all A through D models of the F-15.

General maintenance inspections involve the longeron area, however, as a result of the accident and computer generated models there is sufficient data to indicate the likelihood of other structural failures. Technicians from Warner Robins Air Logistic Center were part of the Air Force Accident Investigation Board and concurred with the findings and resulting stand down.

According to an Air Force spokes person, "Based on this most recent data, it is prudent to stand-down F-15 A-D aircraft until such time each aircraft can receive a more detailed and tailored inspection of the upper longerons along the focus area. The stand-down does not affect the F-15E."

While the stand down is in effect, other U.S. Commands, as well as foreign air forces, will be utilized to ensure the successful completion of missions and the security of. the assigned region is continued