The Air Force fleet will shrink by about 1,000 aircraft over the next several years, acknowledged Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne, speaking at a Capitol Hill luncheon last wee. It is a fact because the Air Force will not be replacing current legacy aircraft on a one-for-one basis, and the Air Force will not be able to sustain the expense of flying legacy aircraft. Wynne noted that the average age for its aircraft will rise from 23 years to 28 years.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.