F-15E 91-0308 was the first Strike Eagle fighter at Lakenheath base in the UK to fly 10,000 hours
The fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle fighter at the UK Royal Air Force's Lakenheath base has managed to reach a significant milestone.
Here's What We Know
The United Kingdom is home to US Air Force fighter jets. On 28 July 2023, an F-15E with flight number 91-0308 became the first Strike Eagle aircraft at Lakenheath base to achieve 10,000 hours of flight time.
The fourth-generation fighter has been part of the 48th Fighter Wing for 31 years. It joined the regiment on 17 September 1992. During this time, the aircraft has undergone 20 inspections and flown over 4,100 sorties.
As we noted above, our hero was the first Strike Eagle at Lakenheath base to reach the 10,000 flying hours mark. It was reached by 53 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, and when it comes to all F-15 Eagles, only 86 out of more than 800 fighters were able to reach 10,000 hours. At the same time, the original life expectancy was 8,000 hours.
After each flight, the F-15E Strike Eagle undergoes 3 hours of maintenance. Taking this into account, the total maintenance duration of the fighter aircraft with the flight number 91-0308 is at least 30,000 hours.
The F-15E Strike Eagle has been active in military operations since 1992. The most recent was Inherent Resolve in 2021. The U.S. Air Force expects the fighter jet with flight number 91-0308 to continue flying after 2025.
Source: DVIDS