Over the years, Joint STARS upgrade prospects have waxed and waned. E-8 aircraft are actually secondhand 707s, bought at a time when the Army funded most of the program and didn't want to pay for new aircraft. One typical E-8 at Robins AFB, Ga., has more than 71,000 hours of flying time.rnRecent studies concluded that the airframe itself is not the problem. A fleet viability board has certified Joint STARS for another 25 years of operations.rnThe problem is old engines. The Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B engines produce 18,000 pounds of thrust apiece, but have been outclassed by newer engine types.
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