Air Force to release F-15 longeron replacement RFP

The Air Force expects to release a request for proposals next month to replace the longerons on its C- and D-model F-15s -- a key part of its plans to extend the jet's service life.

According to an Aug. 22 notice, the service intends to release an RFP by Sept. 15 and award a contract to provide longeron kits by August 2018.

The Air Force told Congress earlier this year it is considering an early retirement for the F-15C, beginning in the early 2020s.