Moseley said that, with 183 Raptors, he can “field seven squadrons.” However, it would take changes in the size of squadrons to get seven. At 24 airplanes each (the standard size), seven squadrons would add up to 168 aircraft, leaving just 15 for training, test, servicing, and attrition reserve. The Air Force long insisted it needed 60 just for training. Moseley did not address that discrepancy.
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.