Trends in U.S. Air Force Aircraft Mishap Rates (1950-2018)
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force's aircraft inventory is old and getting older. Aircraft, such as the B-52 and KC-135, were designed and manufactured more than 60 years ago but remain critical elements of the Air Force's force structure. At the same time, newer aircraft, such as the F-22 and RQ-4, rely on more-complex technologies, materials, and software, potentially creating new operational and sustainment challenges. The aging of certain fleets and increasing complexity of newer military aircraft, coupled with continued overseas operations and a fluctuating budget environment, have led some to worry that the Air Force's inventory is likely to be more prone to incidents that result in a loss of aircraft or, worse, life. These concerns were elevated following a March 15, 2018, HH-60 loss in Iraq that resulted in seven fatalities and a May 2, 2018, WC-130 loss in Savannah, Georgia, that resulted in nine fatalities and contributed to Congress establishing the National Commission on Military Aviation Safety as part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1116794
Entities
People
- Spencer Pfeifer
- Thomas Hamilton
- Thomas Light
Organizations
- RAND Corporation