An Air Combat Command accident investigation board has determined that the F-15 crash into the Pacific Ocean on June 26 was the result of the pilot’s spatial disorientation. Maj. Gregory Young from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing died in the crash. He was flying a dissimilar air combat training mission with other unit aircraft and Marine Corps Reserve F/A-18s from Texas.
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.