KC-135s

Abstract

KC-135 Aging Aircraft Program (674494). This program supports projects that keep the KC-135 viable for the future. Projects include the analysis and testing efforts in the area of aging aircraft, to include structural, corrosion, fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking. Additionally, the Functional System Integrity Program (FSIP) proactively examines individual aircraft systems for potential impacts due to aging components. The USAF will utilize these activities to improve KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance efficiency and to provide direction for future aircraft efforts to sustain the KC-135 as a viable airframe until the planned fleet retirement completion date of 2040. In addition, Congress added funds in FY09 to procure equipment that will enable the Air Force to deploy advanced ultrasonic inspection techniques that may dramatically reduce the time required to inspect aircraft for defects. The deployment of the ultrasonic inspection technology will provide significantly improved identification and characterization of defects. This can be accomplished with little risk, as the technology is adapted from ultrasonic array technologies and medical grade imaging techniques that have been successfully implemented in the medical industry for many years. The original add was for $1.25M. Approximately $340K was executed as Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funding. The remaining $900K was reprogrammed as RDT&E funding and will be used for development of the inspection technology. KC-135 Upgrades (675261). Block 45 program - Supports a modification program performing analysis, testing, software development, prototyping, documenting source data, and incorporating a new Digital Flight Director (DFD), Radio Altimeter (RA), Autopilot (AP) and Electronic Engine Instrument Displays (EEID). This program has associated APAF funding in Program Elements 041218F and 041897F. These efforts support a fielded weapons system and therefore are assigned to Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
0401218F_7_3600_PB_2011
Change Summary Explanation
FY2009: Increase due to Congressional Add for Ultrasonic Inspection Technology development and activities associated with Congressionally-directed Blended Winglet Development project. FY2010: Funds support continuation of the Block 45 EMD activities, including finishing the overall system design, modifying the System Integration Laboratory (SIL), conducting initial system software testing, and beginning production of the prototype aircraft and operational flight trainer hardware and kits. FY2011: Funds will support continuation of the Block 45 EMD activities including Formal Qualification testing of the system software, completion of the aircraft prototype kit development/installation of two kits on the aircraft and the initaition of formal ground tesing and flight testing at Edwards AFB, CA.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Altimeters
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Engineering
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Radar Altimeters
  • Software Development
  • Stress Corrosion
  • System Software
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Training
  • Ultrasonic Inspection

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics

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