An accident investigation board reviewing the mid-air collision of an F-15C with an F-16 near Eielson AFB, Alaska on June 11 has concluded the pilot of the F-15 wasn’t paying attention to his altitude. The F-15 pilot from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., ejected safely; the F-16 pilot from Nellis AFB, Nev., was able to land his fighter, but it sustained about one million dollars in damage. The two were taking part in Red Flag Alaska.
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.