Engine strut "problems" have caused the US Air Force to stand down 29 of 30 KC-135E tankers recently inspected by an internal airworthiness group. The viability of the KC-135E has been at the centre of raging controversy over the urgency of the service's goal to replace the largely 40-year-old fleet with new tankers. A final decision on the disposition of the grounded tankers could be made this month. The 29 aircraft were removed from the flying schedule after the Fleet Viability Board briefed mobility leaders on the results of a two-month inspection.
Source: Flight International