The United States (U.S.) Department of the Air Force (DAF) and National Guard Bureau (NGB) propose to maintain the combat capability of the Air National Guard (ANG) fighter wings currently flying the F-15C/D aircraft. These aircraft have reached the end of their lifespan and will be phased out due to future safety and maintenance concerns. The proposal is the beddown, operation, and associated infrastructure construction of one formal training unit (FTU) squadron of F-35A Lightning II (F 35A) aircraft at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB) at the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport (LMT), in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The No Action Alternative is also considered as required by 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 1502.14(c). Under the No Action Alternative, the 173 FW would continue to conduct their current mission using existing F-15C/D aircraft. Any previously planned construction and repair projects required for the current mission would be implemented. These projects reflect requirements to sustain the 173 FW mission regardless of the airframe that is being flown.
FAQs
The alternatives are:
- Conversion to the F-35A aircraft (as described above).
- The no action alternative – under which the 173 FW would retain the F-15C/D aircraft and conduct construction activities in support of that continuing mission. This alternative does not meet the purpose and need of the proposed action.
HOW MANY AIRCRAFT WOULD BE PART OF THE BEDDOWN?
The proposal is to base 24 F-35A primary plus 2 back-up F-35A aircraft at the 173 FW. This would replace their 26 F-15C/D aircraft.
WHEN WOULD THE AIRCRAFT ARRIVE?
The beddown process would occur in phases associated with the manufacture and delivery of the F-35A aircraft. Delivery of the first aircraft to the installation would be expected to be in FY 2027; and the last aircraft delivery would be expected to be completed by FY 2029, at which time the full complement of 24 PAA (plus 2 BAA) F-35A aircraft would be based at the 173 FW.
IS THERE CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROPOSAL?
Yes, though the 173 FW would attempt to use the existing infrastructure and facilities to the maximum extent reasonable.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE HOW NOISE FROM OVERFLIGHTS AFFECTS A COMMUNITY?
The Department of Defense uses several metrics to evaluate noise effects. The Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise metric is primarily used for noise generated at the airfield. Additionally, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is used in the state of California. These metrics are used by all Federal agencies for predicting human annoyance and other potential noise effects on humans. DNL represents the average of all noise events that occur over a 24-hour period and includes a penalty for flights occurring between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. CNEL adds an additional penalty in the evening timeframe between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Other metrics are used to determine maximum, instantaneous, and supersonic noise levels. These will all be used in the Draft EIS.
WHAT WOULD THE COMMUNITY EXPECT IN TERMS OF NOISE FROM THE F-35A?
A noise analysis is being conducted to determine any change at the Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport that would result from beddown of the F-35A aircraft. The Draft EIS will evaluate and present any change in noise levels at the airfield and in the training airspace.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH THE EXISTING AIRCRAFT?
The F-15C/Ds would be retired from service due to the age of the aircraft.