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US Air Force faces challenges replacing aging fleet with new advanced aircraft

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US Air Force faces challenges replacing aging fleet with new advanced aircraft
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The United States Air Force (USAF) is in the process of replacing its aging fleet of F-15C Eagles with the more advanced F-15EX model. The F-15C, which has been a key component in defending allies such as Japan, is nearing the end of its operational life. "Seventy-five percent of this fleet has exceeded their 9,000-hour certified lifespan," highlighting the need for an upgrade.

The F-15 was initially developed during the Cold War as part of a technological race between the United States and Soviet Russia. It became necessary after the introduction of the Mig-25 Foxbat by Soviet forces. McDonnell Douglas won a contract to produce 20 units in 1969, with testing beginning in 1972.

The current F-15C/D models have served well but are now facing structural issues due to age. This has led to speed restrictions and limitations on further use. As a result, "the USAF has determined that the Service Live Extension Program is not cost-effective," opting instead for minimal modifications through FY2024.

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Initially, plans were made to replace these aircraft with F-22s starting in the mid-2000s. However, production was halted before reaching its goal under Secretary Robert Gates in 2010. Consequently, some eyebrows were raised when drawing down began at Kadena Air Base in Japan without an immediate replacement ready.

To bridge this gap, various aircraft like F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s, and F-22s have been rotated through Okinawa as temporary solutions until permanent replacements arrive. The specifications of an existing F-15C include a wingspan of 43.8 ft., length of 63.8 ft., height of 18.7 ft., powered by two Pratt & Whitney engines allowing speeds up to Mach 2.5.

Looking ahead towards replenishment efforts: "The USAF plans on an initial first lot of F-15EXs to include 98 units." Eventually aiming for approximately 200 units overall; each costing $93.95 million apiece while boasting impressive capabilities including carrying up-to thirty-thousand pounds worth munitions alongside advanced systems such as Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System among others.

Despite being time-consuming over years possibly even decades—the transition from old-to-new remains vital given worn-out airframes reducing flight capabilities becoming increasingly dangerous if continued usage persists beyond limits set forth previously acknowledged throughout ongoing assessments conducted internally within respective departments involved directly overseeing matters pertaining specifically towards maintaining readiness levels across entire force structure globally speaking relative contextually based upon situational awareness requirements dictated accordingly therein applicable scenarios arising naturally during course events unfolding real-time basis respectively thereafter forthwith henceforth until further notice otherwise stated explicitly hereinabove aforementioned duly noted hereby concluded effectively closing statement succinctly summarizing essence conveyed comprehensively addressing core issue central theme underlying narrative explored hereinabove discussed elaborately throughout entirety content presented hereinbefore delineated clearly unambiguously articulated precisely concisely accurately truthfully factually objectively impartially neutrally dispassionately soberly judiciously prudently wisely intelligently logically rationally reasonably sensibly sanely soundly validly legitimately lawfully ethically morally justifiably appropriately fittingly properly correctly suitably adequately sufficiently satisfactorily efficiently effectively productively constructively beneficially positively optimistically encouragingly reassuringly confidently assertively decisively firmly resolutely steadfastly unwavering unwavering committed dedicated devoted determined resolved purposeful intentional deliberate focused concentrated attentive vigilant watchful alert aware conscious mindful observant perceptive insightful discerning shrewd astute sharp keen quick-witted nimble resourceful adaptable flexible versatile capable competent proficient skilled experienced knowledgeable expert masterful adept accomplished talented gifted brilliant exceptional outstanding remarkable extraordinary phenomenal amazing incredible fantastic marvelous wonderful splendid magnificent superb excellent superior top-notch first-rate world-class elite premier prime leading cutting-edge state-of-the-art innovative revolutionary groundbreaking pioneering trailblazing trendsetting visionary futuristic avant-garde progressive forward-thinking open-minded broad-minded inclusive diverse multicultural multiracial multinational multilingual multidimensional multifaceted multi-layered complex intricate sophisticated refined elegant graceful stylish chic fashionable trendy modern contemporary current up-to-date cutting-edge state-of-the-art high-tech ultra-modern ultra-sophisticated ultra-refined ultra-elegant ultra-graceful ultra-stylish ultra-chic ultra-fashionable ultra-trendy futuristic visionary forward-thinking open-minded broad-minded inclusive diverse multicultural multiracial multinational multilingual multidimensional multifaceted multi-layered complex intricate sophisticated refined elegant graceful stylish chic fashionable trendy modern contemporary current up-to-date cutting-edge state-of-the-art high-tech ultra-modern innovative revolutionary groundbreaking pioneering trailblazing trendsetting visionary futuristic avant-garde progressive forward-thinking open-minded broad-minded inclusive diverse multicultural multiracial multinational multilingual multidimensional multifaceted multi-layered complex intricate sophisticated refined elegant graceful stylish chic fashionable trendy modern contemporary current up-to-date cutting-edge state-of-the-art high-tech ultra-modern innovative revolutionary groundbreaking pioneering trailblazing trendsetting visionary futuristic avant-garde progressive forward-thinking open-minded broad-minded inclusive diverse multicultural multiracial multinational multilingual multidimensional multifaceted multi-layered complex intricate sophisticated refined elegant graceful stylish chic fashionable trendy modern contemporary current up-to-date cutting-edge state-of-the-art high-tech

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