On Combat

Another F-15C was lost 2 Feb off the coast of Hawaii; the cause is yet to be determined, and may prove to be material failure or pilot error–we’ll have to wait on the USAF’s investigation. For the initial report see: Pilot OK after F-15 crash off Hawaii coast

This string of F-15C failures usually leads to political arguments on the utility, necessity, and cost of F-15C replacements. We should be seriously concerned about the capability, confidence, and combat motivation of the pilots asked to fly this aging warbird. Here are three major problem areas that extend beyond the number of aircraft available to fly and fight:

Pilot Proficiency is in the Dumps: F-15C squadrons are fully manned, but have few aircraft to train on. Training has been distrupted by fleet-wide groundings and inspections. Up to a third of the F-15C fleet may have been permanently grounded after last November’s inflight break-up of an F-15 (see: Flaw May Permanently Ground 160 Jets, Air Force General Says). The training that is going on with the reduced F-15 fleet is hobbled by restrictive flight envelopes designed to preserve remaining airframe life and safeguard pilot safety.

Dubious Confidence in the Equipment: Any fighter pilot will be proud to tell you why his or her aircraft is the best in the sky. The inflight failures, speed and G-force limitations undermine confidence in this aircraft. The last thing we want is for an American pilot closing with the enemy wondering if the aircraft will hold together in a fight.

Combat Motivation: Americans should go into battle with the best equipment–knowing you have the best equipment is a powerful combat motivator. Combat in the sky is a winner-take-all proposition; it’s been said there are no points for second place. The F-15C has a marvelous radar and air-to-air missiles. Its airframe fatigue and the resulting aerodynamic limitations are relegating this fighting machine to a third-rate system. The outcome of a limited machine may drive tactics to avoid pitched aerial battles. Planes only able to shoot and run lead us down a slippery slope undermining training, the spirit of attack, and our ability to win in all situations.