The co
mmander of Continental US NORAD, Air Force Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, says that F-15 fighters assigned to support CONR operations could fly if needed. The Air Force has barred all non-mission-critical F-15 flights following a crash last week. In a statement, Morrow said: “We are closely watching the initial investigation of Friday’s incident while we continue in our important air defense role. Protecting North America airways is our first priority and we will remain on alert, on duty.” Should it be necessary, Morrow said he would issue a mandatory scramble order.
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.