Does anyone else remeber when the C-17 was about to come on line that the C-141s started to be declared unsafe due to wing spar issues. The number of C-17 purchased went up.
Now the F-15s are grounded with 60% now allowed tot fly. Is the Airforce trying to get more F-22s?
The F-15 problems aren't just cropping up. The aircraft has had several structural problems with the wings that have limited the amount of Gs the aircraft can pull for the last 15 years. The airplanes are worn out. They started entering service in the mid to late seventies. The Air to Air mission is a lot tougher on the aircraft than other missions. The airplanes have to make 8G turns and maneuvers that are violent enough to render a pilot unconcious if he isn't properly trained and equiped. The daily twisting and turning has weakened the frame of the plane.
To put it into perspective - If you owned a 30 year old car that had a rusted out frame would you continue fixing it or would you bite the bullet and pay for a new one?