Maj. Cristin Marposon, an Air Force spokeswoman, told The Associated Press the country's fleet of 676 F-15s, including mission critical jets, was grounded on November 3 for "airworthiness concerns" after the crash of an older model F-15C on Friday.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Air Force officials said it was a structural failure and the plane broke apart in flight.
L'articolo completo è qui: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/11/05/f1 ... pstoryview
P.S. Il pilota se l'è cavata con un braccio rotto.
Air Force grounds F-15s in Afghanistan
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Air Force grounds F-15s in Afghanistan
Ultima modifica di super33 il 7 novembre 2007, 23:47, modificato 1 volta in totale.
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Snap-on
Continuando la discussione ,l'ultima comunicazione ufficiale riportata dall'agenzia Dedalonews:-
USAF: priorità controlli F-15E
L’USAF sta dando priorità ai 224 F-15E presenti in flotta nei controlli ordinati dopo l’incidente che ha visto coinvolto un velivolo della Missouri Air National Guard. Successivamente verranno esaminati i 665 esemplari delle versioni più anziane. I velivoli necessitano di ispezioni della durata di 13 ore che comprendono l’esame dei sistemi idraulici, delle strutture della fusoliera e dei pannelli ad esse correlati.
Inoltre, per chi avesse la voglia e la pazienza di leggerlo, allego quanto riportato nell'ultimo numero di Popular Mechanics riguardante il tema della della discussione.
E' spiegato nel dettaglio il tipo di inconveniente rilevato e le procedure che verranno utilizzate per riportare in efficienza l'intera flotta di F-15.
The Real Story Behind the F-15 Stand-Down: News Analysis
When four of the world’s premier jet fighters crash, the military pays attention. When every F-15 in the world is ordered to stay on the ground, the rumor mill gets in gear. Investigators open up in a PM exclusive
The trouble started on Nov. 2, when a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C crashed during an exercise. The incident quickly blossomed into a temporary, global shutdown of all F-15 flights, so that the planes—including those owned by overseas customers in countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan—could be examined. This was the fourth crash involving an F-15 model this year. “First, only noncritical flights in the U.S. were grounded,” says Guy Ben-Ari, a research fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Then it was broadened to include all noncritical flights in combat operations. Then it was broadened to all flights. That doesn’t happen very often.” Equally rare is the fact that international customers of the airplane followed the United States’ lead in grounding their F-15s. “Makes you wonder what information they are receiving,” he says.
Most media reports have emphasized the age of the aircraft, which debuted in 1975. However, newer variants—particularly the F-15E Strike Eagle—have also been grounded, and the last F-15 went into service in 2004. Now, comments from military officials to Popular Mechanics concerning the examination of structural parts common to all variants hint at a potentially serious problem with the airplane’s structural integrity.
Inspecting America’s 700 F-15s is a massive undertaking that involves thousands of maintenance crews around the world. In what is called an Immediate Action Time Compliance Technical Order, a list of detailed instructions was handed down to those maintainers whose daily duty is to keep the complex planes flying. “This is done at the base level,” says Maj. Tom Crosson, spokesman for Air Combat Command. “The average wrench-turner goes through the checklist.”
How the Inspections Work
According to those involved, 13 hours worth of testing is required per airplane before it can pass inspection, with results reported back to Air Force headquarters. Each bolt to be twisted, every panel to be removed and each line to be checked is listed in detail. In the case of the F-15 investigation, Crosson says, specific attention is being paid to the hydraulic system lines, environmental control systems that regulate the cockpit, and structural frames called longerons. Longerons are metal strips that run along the length of the airplane’s fuselage and transfer aerodynamic loads from the skin of the airplane to internal frame—not a place where you want to see signs of weakness.
The longerons require four hours to examine after the jet has been prepared by removing panels to gain access, according to Lt. Col. Al Porter, deputy maintenance group commander for the 366th Fighter Wing. “The maintainers are looking for any cracks in the upper and lower longerons or any other structural deficiency, including any problems around fastener holes or the fasteners themselves,” he says.
Part of the inspection uses a non-invasive surface scan that can detect cracks that may be invisible to the naked eye. Electricity is passed through a tightly wound coil, creating a current that will be interrupted by any anomalies, according to Porter. Any suspected cracks are followed up by placing dye in the suspect area and viewed with an ultraviolet light that will confirm a crack. “We have detected no cracks in our inspections so far,” Porter says. “The longerons that we are inspecting now are not part of the current phase inspection work cards. It is too early to know if this will become part of future phase inspections.”
When maintenance problems arise in airplanes, fingers quickly point at the operational tempo of operations: In other words, the more hours a plane flies, the more likely it is to develop problems. With a military aircraft, however, the pace is less important than where it’s flying and what it’s called on to do.
During combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, sand and large differences between day and nighttime temperatures can take their toll on an airplane. On the other hand, the missions are relatively easy on F-15s. “These aircraft were designed for superior maneuverability and acceleration while dogfighting,” Ben-Ari says. “[In Iraq and Afghanistan] there are no enemy fighter jets or anti-aircraft missiles to outmaneuver.” Instead, the planes are logging many flight hours simply loitering in circles, waiting for information on where to drop bombs to help ground forces.
Saluti
Steve
USAF: priorità controlli F-15E
L’USAF sta dando priorità ai 224 F-15E presenti in flotta nei controlli ordinati dopo l’incidente che ha visto coinvolto un velivolo della Missouri Air National Guard. Successivamente verranno esaminati i 665 esemplari delle versioni più anziane. I velivoli necessitano di ispezioni della durata di 13 ore che comprendono l’esame dei sistemi idraulici, delle strutture della fusoliera e dei pannelli ad esse correlati.
Inoltre, per chi avesse la voglia e la pazienza di leggerlo, allego quanto riportato nell'ultimo numero di Popular Mechanics riguardante il tema della della discussione.
E' spiegato nel dettaglio il tipo di inconveniente rilevato e le procedure che verranno utilizzate per riportare in efficienza l'intera flotta di F-15.
The Real Story Behind the F-15 Stand-Down: News Analysis
When four of the world’s premier jet fighters crash, the military pays attention. When every F-15 in the world is ordered to stay on the ground, the rumor mill gets in gear. Investigators open up in a PM exclusive
The trouble started on Nov. 2, when a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C crashed during an exercise. The incident quickly blossomed into a temporary, global shutdown of all F-15 flights, so that the planes—including those owned by overseas customers in countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan—could be examined. This was the fourth crash involving an F-15 model this year. “First, only noncritical flights in the U.S. were grounded,” says Guy Ben-Ari, a research fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Then it was broadened to include all noncritical flights in combat operations. Then it was broadened to all flights. That doesn’t happen very often.” Equally rare is the fact that international customers of the airplane followed the United States’ lead in grounding their F-15s. “Makes you wonder what information they are receiving,” he says.
Most media reports have emphasized the age of the aircraft, which debuted in 1975. However, newer variants—particularly the F-15E Strike Eagle—have also been grounded, and the last F-15 went into service in 2004. Now, comments from military officials to Popular Mechanics concerning the examination of structural parts common to all variants hint at a potentially serious problem with the airplane’s structural integrity.
Inspecting America’s 700 F-15s is a massive undertaking that involves thousands of maintenance crews around the world. In what is called an Immediate Action Time Compliance Technical Order, a list of detailed instructions was handed down to those maintainers whose daily duty is to keep the complex planes flying. “This is done at the base level,” says Maj. Tom Crosson, spokesman for Air Combat Command. “The average wrench-turner goes through the checklist.”
How the Inspections Work
According to those involved, 13 hours worth of testing is required per airplane before it can pass inspection, with results reported back to Air Force headquarters. Each bolt to be twisted, every panel to be removed and each line to be checked is listed in detail. In the case of the F-15 investigation, Crosson says, specific attention is being paid to the hydraulic system lines, environmental control systems that regulate the cockpit, and structural frames called longerons. Longerons are metal strips that run along the length of the airplane’s fuselage and transfer aerodynamic loads from the skin of the airplane to internal frame—not a place where you want to see signs of weakness.
The longerons require four hours to examine after the jet has been prepared by removing panels to gain access, according to Lt. Col. Al Porter, deputy maintenance group commander for the 366th Fighter Wing. “The maintainers are looking for any cracks in the upper and lower longerons or any other structural deficiency, including any problems around fastener holes or the fasteners themselves,” he says.
Part of the inspection uses a non-invasive surface scan that can detect cracks that may be invisible to the naked eye. Electricity is passed through a tightly wound coil, creating a current that will be interrupted by any anomalies, according to Porter. Any suspected cracks are followed up by placing dye in the suspect area and viewed with an ultraviolet light that will confirm a crack. “We have detected no cracks in our inspections so far,” Porter says. “The longerons that we are inspecting now are not part of the current phase inspection work cards. It is too early to know if this will become part of future phase inspections.”
When maintenance problems arise in airplanes, fingers quickly point at the operational tempo of operations: In other words, the more hours a plane flies, the more likely it is to develop problems. With a military aircraft, however, the pace is less important than where it’s flying and what it’s called on to do.
During combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, sand and large differences between day and nighttime temperatures can take their toll on an airplane. On the other hand, the missions are relatively easy on F-15s. “These aircraft were designed for superior maneuverability and acceleration while dogfighting,” Ben-Ari says. “[In Iraq and Afghanistan] there are no enemy fighter jets or anti-aircraft missiles to outmaneuver.” Instead, the planes are logging many flight hours simply loitering in circles, waiting for information on where to drop bombs to help ground forces.
Saluti
Steve
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Snap-on
Gli F15 tornano in servizio.
Due note d'agenzia annunciano l'avvenimento:
Entire F-15 fleet returns to flight
By Barbara Cockburn
The US air force is to return its entire fleet of around 700 Boeing F-15s to flight following rigourous inspections as a result of an accident that led to the loss of an aircraft in early November.
A Missouri Air National Guard F-15C crashed while engaged in air combat training with three other F-15s on 2 November. The pilot ejected safely.
F-15 operators in Japan, Israel and Saudi Arabia followed the USA in grounding their respective fleets of the aircraft type shortly after the accident.
Gen. John D W Corley, commander, Air Combat Command, says: "As of today (21 November), 219 of the 224 E-models and 294 of the 442 A-D models in the inventory have been inspected and cleared for flight."
He says that "the circumstances of the mishap indicated catastrophic structural failure", and that the "cause of the mishap remains under investigation". (Fligt International)
Tornano a volare F-15 statunitensi
Tornano a volare gli F-15 dell’Air Force, messi a terra il 2 novembre per un incidente con perdita del velivolo forse per un decimento strutturale. Mentre l’inchiesta continua, gli F15E, gli ultimi ad essere entrati in servizio, hanno avuto il via libera alla ripesa delle attività, assieme ad altri 294 F15 delle serie A-D, che sono stati ispezionati. L’Air Force ha complessivamente in servizio 700 F-15. (Dedalonews)
Saluti
Steve
Due note d'agenzia annunciano l'avvenimento:
Entire F-15 fleet returns to flight
By Barbara Cockburn
The US air force is to return its entire fleet of around 700 Boeing F-15s to flight following rigourous inspections as a result of an accident that led to the loss of an aircraft in early November.
A Missouri Air National Guard F-15C crashed while engaged in air combat training with three other F-15s on 2 November. The pilot ejected safely.
F-15 operators in Japan, Israel and Saudi Arabia followed the USA in grounding their respective fleets of the aircraft type shortly after the accident.
Gen. John D W Corley, commander, Air Combat Command, says: "As of today (21 November), 219 of the 224 E-models and 294 of the 442 A-D models in the inventory have been inspected and cleared for flight."
He says that "the circumstances of the mishap indicated catastrophic structural failure", and that the "cause of the mishap remains under investigation". (Fligt International)
Tornano a volare F-15 statunitensi
Tornano a volare gli F-15 dell’Air Force, messi a terra il 2 novembre per un incidente con perdita del velivolo forse per un decimento strutturale. Mentre l’inchiesta continua, gli F15E, gli ultimi ad essere entrati in servizio, hanno avuto il via libera alla ripesa delle attività, assieme ad altri 294 F15 delle serie A-D, che sono stati ispezionati. L’Air Force ha complessivamente in servizio 700 F-15. (Dedalonews)
Saluti
Steve
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Snap-on
Ancora problemi per il caccia americano F-15 Eagle. Quì di seguito riporto la nota ufficiale dell'USAF e la nota dell'agenzia di stampa Dedalonews
F-15 A-D models ordered to stand down for additional inspections
An F-15 Eagle flies over the Pacific during Valiant Shield Aug. 9. The directive follows Nov. 27 findings stemming from the investigation of an F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft on Nov. 2 . Based on those new findings, all F-15 A through D models will undergo a stand down that will require additional inspections and possible repair actions.
For the second time this month, the commander of Air Combat Command has directed a fleet-wide inspection of all ACC F-15 A through D model aircraft.
The directive follows Nov. 27 findings stemming from the investigation of an F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft on Nov. 2 . Based on those new findings, all F-15 A through D models will undergo a stand down that will require additional inspections and possible repair actions.
Gen. John D.W. Corley, ACC commander, also recommended the stand-down of all other similar model aircraft in other Air Force major commands, including those under the operational control of U.S. combatant commanders.
The new findings from the Accident Investigation Board indicate possible fleet-wide airworthiness problems with F-15A/B/C and D aircraft. These findings, based on a metallurgical analysis of the mishap aircraft, have drawn attention to the F-15's upper longerons near the canopy of the aircraft that appear to have cracked and failed. The longerons are major structural components that run along the length and side of the aircraft.
Although the longeron area was covered in general by previous inspections as a result of the Nov. 2 mishap, technical experts with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia, are recommending a specific inspection technique for the suspect area based on the yesterday's findings.
Manufacturer simulations have indicated a catastrophic failure could result in this particular area. In addition, cracks were discovered along the same longeron area during two recent inspections of F-15C aircraft. These aircraft were immediately grounded based upon the inspection findings and are awaiting further engineering instructions.
Based on this most recent data, ACC believes it is necessary to stand-down the F-15 A through D aircraft until such time each aircraft can receive a more detailed and tailored inspection of the upper longerons in the focus area.
Air Combat Command continues to work with the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and sister major commands in Europe and the Pacific, as well as joint and coalition partners, to ensure mission coverage.
The stand-down does not affect the F-15E. The duration of the stand-down is pending the completion of required inspections and any necessary repair actions (Fonte US Air Force)
Di nuovo a terra la maggior parte degli F-15
L’USAF ha deciso nuovamente di proibire i voli degli F-15 delle versioni precedenti alla E. Tutti gli aerei di questo modello erano stati messi a terra dopo un incidente occorso ai primi di novembre ed il divieto era stato tolto il 21 dello stesso mese, ma il timore di nuovi catastrofici cedimenti strutturali alla fusoliera ha costretto di nuovo a ricorrere a questo drastico provvedimento per oltre 400 macchine appartenenti alle versioni più anziane. L’USAF ha spiegato che per quanto l’area dei longheroni fosse stata sottoposta a controlli generali in seguito all’incidente del 2 novembre, gli esperti del Warner Robins Air Logistics Center che assistono l’Accident Investigation Board abbiano consigliato una ispezione specifica di quelle parti. Il Pentagono ha reso noto che la misura non interesserà le operazioni in Irak ed Afghanistan, dove volano F-15 della versione E. (Fonte Dedalonews)
Saluti
Steve
F-15 A-D models ordered to stand down for additional inspections
An F-15 Eagle flies over the Pacific during Valiant Shield Aug. 9. The directive follows Nov. 27 findings stemming from the investigation of an F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft on Nov. 2 . Based on those new findings, all F-15 A through D models will undergo a stand down that will require additional inspections and possible repair actions.
For the second time this month, the commander of Air Combat Command has directed a fleet-wide inspection of all ACC F-15 A through D model aircraft.
The directive follows Nov. 27 findings stemming from the investigation of an F-15C mishap that resulted in the loss of that aircraft on Nov. 2 . Based on those new findings, all F-15 A through D models will undergo a stand down that will require additional inspections and possible repair actions.
Gen. John D.W. Corley, ACC commander, also recommended the stand-down of all other similar model aircraft in other Air Force major commands, including those under the operational control of U.S. combatant commanders.
The new findings from the Accident Investigation Board indicate possible fleet-wide airworthiness problems with F-15A/B/C and D aircraft. These findings, based on a metallurgical analysis of the mishap aircraft, have drawn attention to the F-15's upper longerons near the canopy of the aircraft that appear to have cracked and failed. The longerons are major structural components that run along the length and side of the aircraft.
Although the longeron area was covered in general by previous inspections as a result of the Nov. 2 mishap, technical experts with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia, are recommending a specific inspection technique for the suspect area based on the yesterday's findings.
Manufacturer simulations have indicated a catastrophic failure could result in this particular area. In addition, cracks were discovered along the same longeron area during two recent inspections of F-15C aircraft. These aircraft were immediately grounded based upon the inspection findings and are awaiting further engineering instructions.
Based on this most recent data, ACC believes it is necessary to stand-down the F-15 A through D aircraft until such time each aircraft can receive a more detailed and tailored inspection of the upper longerons in the focus area.
Air Combat Command continues to work with the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and sister major commands in Europe and the Pacific, as well as joint and coalition partners, to ensure mission coverage.
The stand-down does not affect the F-15E. The duration of the stand-down is pending the completion of required inspections and any necessary repair actions (Fonte US Air Force)
Di nuovo a terra la maggior parte degli F-15
L’USAF ha deciso nuovamente di proibire i voli degli F-15 delle versioni precedenti alla E. Tutti gli aerei di questo modello erano stati messi a terra dopo un incidente occorso ai primi di novembre ed il divieto era stato tolto il 21 dello stesso mese, ma il timore di nuovi catastrofici cedimenti strutturali alla fusoliera ha costretto di nuovo a ricorrere a questo drastico provvedimento per oltre 400 macchine appartenenti alle versioni più anziane. L’USAF ha spiegato che per quanto l’area dei longheroni fosse stata sottoposta a controlli generali in seguito all’incidente del 2 novembre, gli esperti del Warner Robins Air Logistics Center che assistono l’Accident Investigation Board abbiano consigliato una ispezione specifica di quelle parti. Il Pentagono ha reso noto che la misura non interesserà le operazioni in Irak ed Afghanistan, dove volano F-15 della versione E. (Fonte Dedalonews)
Saluti
Steve
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Black Magic
Fonti interne USAF mi riferiscono che è in corso una trattativa tra Pentagono e Congresso per il numero di F22 da acquistare.
Non amo la dietrologia, ma in questi casi puo' dare una visione più ampia del mero inconveniente tecnico.
E dire che il vecchio è da buttare fa sempre comodo.
Nel frattempo la difesa aerea americana è garantita anche da un congruo numero di F18 di Sua Maesta' (Canadesi).
Non amo la dietrologia, ma in questi casi puo' dare una visione più ampia del mero inconveniente tecnico.
E dire che il vecchio è da buttare fa sempre comodo.
Nel frattempo la difesa aerea americana è garantita anche da un congruo numero di F18 di Sua Maesta' (Canadesi).
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Black Magic
Ma non è più l'Air National Guard che fa la difesa aerea?
Gli altri hanno come compito la proiezione di potenza e non la difesa dello spazio aereo americano.
Navy e Marines, poi, non sono integrati nella difesa aerea nazionale e al momento non ci sono urgenti necessità di sicurezza per richiederlo.
Naturale che in queste stuazioni anche l'USAF si mobiliti con i suoi mezzi disponibili in patria, ma per il limite nord dello spazio aereo gli USA hanno, al momento, chiesto al Canada di aumentare il numero di F18 disponibili per coprire anche le zone potenzialmente sguarnite dei velivoli messi a terra dall'ANG.
A terra sono tutti i branches del '15 tranne l'E.
Nessuna emergenza reale, ci mancherebbe che agli USA mancassero aerei.
Gli altri hanno come compito la proiezione di potenza e non la difesa dello spazio aereo americano.
Navy e Marines, poi, non sono integrati nella difesa aerea nazionale e al momento non ci sono urgenti necessità di sicurezza per richiederlo.
Naturale che in queste stuazioni anche l'USAF si mobiliti con i suoi mezzi disponibili in patria, ma per il limite nord dello spazio aereo gli USA hanno, al momento, chiesto al Canada di aumentare il numero di F18 disponibili per coprire anche le zone potenzialmente sguarnite dei velivoli messi a terra dall'ANG.
A terra sono tutti i branches del '15 tranne l'E.
Nessuna emergenza reale, ci mancherebbe che agli USA mancassero aerei.
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Black Magic
Drak, intanto t'ho ritrovato l'altro post. 
http://www.md80.it/bbforum/viewtopic.ph ... 400#301400
E' che ci sono due 3d aperti sullo stesso argomento...
http://www.md80.it/bbforum/viewtopic.ph ... 400#301400
E' che ci sono due 3d aperti sullo stesso argomento...
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Bacione
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Snap-on
Continuano i problemi sui velivoli F-15 dell'USAF. Riporto un articolo tratto da Flight International, che illustra la situazione e i nuovi problemi di fatica incontrati durante la nuova campagna ispettiva eseguita dall'aeronautica americana.
USAF begins new crack checks as F-15s stay grounded
By Graham Warwick
A fourth wave of inspections has begun on US Air Force Boeing F-15 Eagles as it widens the search for fatigue cracking. So far cracks have been found in the fuselage longerons of eight F-15C fighters.
This will be the third time USAF F-15A-D fighters have gone through checks, but even if cleared they will not return flight until after investigation of the 2 November crash of an F-15C due to structural failure is completed.
F-15E Strike Eagles have been returned to flight, and Air Combat Command says 222 of its 224 E models have been inspected and cleared for operations. The remaining two are in depot maintenance.
Of the USAF's 442 F-15A-D models, 435 have undergone the first inspection (seven are in depot) and 425 of those have undergone the second inspection - called a time compliance technical order (TCTO).
ACC says these two TCTOs resulted in the discovery of longeron cracks in the area of the canopy on eight F-15Cs: four with the Oregon Air Nation Guard; two at Kadena AB in Japan; one at Tyndall AFB, Florida; and one with the Missouri Air National Guard, which operated the aircraft that crashed. All the affected aircraft were built between 1978 and 1985.
The latest TCTO check, the third involving the A-D models, began on 11 December and expands the inspection area on the longerons. This comes after additional defects were found during examination of the Eagle that crashed. The new non-destructive inspections will take 18h for single-seaters and 22.5h for two-seaters.
Saluti
Steve
USAF begins new crack checks as F-15s stay grounded
By Graham Warwick
A fourth wave of inspections has begun on US Air Force Boeing F-15 Eagles as it widens the search for fatigue cracking. So far cracks have been found in the fuselage longerons of eight F-15C fighters.
This will be the third time USAF F-15A-D fighters have gone through checks, but even if cleared they will not return flight until after investigation of the 2 November crash of an F-15C due to structural failure is completed.
F-15E Strike Eagles have been returned to flight, and Air Combat Command says 222 of its 224 E models have been inspected and cleared for operations. The remaining two are in depot maintenance.
Of the USAF's 442 F-15A-D models, 435 have undergone the first inspection (seven are in depot) and 425 of those have undergone the second inspection - called a time compliance technical order (TCTO).
ACC says these two TCTOs resulted in the discovery of longeron cracks in the area of the canopy on eight F-15Cs: four with the Oregon Air Nation Guard; two at Kadena AB in Japan; one at Tyndall AFB, Florida; and one with the Missouri Air National Guard, which operated the aircraft that crashed. All the affected aircraft were built between 1978 and 1985.
The latest TCTO check, the third involving the A-D models, began on 11 December and expands the inspection area on the longerons. This comes after additional defects were found during examination of the Eagle that crashed. The new non-destructive inspections will take 18h for single-seaters and 22.5h for two-seaters.
Saluti
Steve