But Older F-15s Are Still Grounded

The US Air Force announced Wednesday F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets will soon return to service in the Iraq and Afghanistan war theaters, although older F-15s flown by Air National Guard and reserve units stateside will remain grounded in the aftermath of a crash earlier this month.

As ANN reported, the Air Force grounded some 700 F-15s throughout its fleet following the November 2 downing of a Missouri ANG F-15C. The pilot was able to eject from the plane before it crashed in the southern part of the state; investigators say the aircraft experienced inflight structural failure.

CNN reports the newest F-15E Strike Eagles will be returned to service after undergoing an air frame inspection, including a one-time check of hydraulic lines. Longerons running the length of the fuselages on those planes must also be checked, as do skin panels near the environmental control system bay.

USAF officials would not confirm whether problems in those areas contributed to the F-15C crash, saying only the investigation is ongoing.

For the moment, lifting of the flight ban applies only to the 224 E-model F-15s now in service. The balance of the fleet -- comprised of nearly 500 older aircraft -- will remain grounded.

The aircraft involved in the November 2 accident was built in 1980.

FMI: www.af.mil