F-15A Eagle is an tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. (b/w), Graphic by Staff Sgt. Kenneth D. Lustig
1/23/2008 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va, (ACCNS) -- Nineteen more of the 441 F-15A-D Eagles have been inspected and cleared for flight as of Jan. 23.
This brings the total number of Eagles cleared to 278 with 162 still grounded and one pending clearance.
Approximately 60 percent of the A-D models (259 F-15s) were returned to operational status by ACC Commander Gen. John Corley, Jan. 8 on the recommendation of the Air Force engineering experts.
A fatigue crack in the upper-right longeron caused the Nov. 2 Missouri Guard F-15 mid-air break up, according to the Accident Investigation Board. The AIB findings also revealed the longeron was not manufactured to blue-print specifications. Longerons are major structural components running lengthwise of the aircraft
According to Air Force officials, Airmen are working on the meticulous inspection requirements required for the remaining F-15s return to flight safely.
