T-45 SLAP
Abstract
The T-45 Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) is assessing the structural condition of the T-45 fleet in order to determine structural modifications necessary to extend the aircraft designed service life to support Pilot Training Requirements (PTR) and Naval Flight Officer Training Requirements (NTR) until 2021. The T-45 aircraft structure is currently fatigue limited to 14,400 flight hours based on initial full-scale fatigue tests conducted from 1992-1996. This service life limit prevents the T-45 fleet from meeting PTR/NTR requirements past 2016. Recent studies have determined that the fleet squadrons have not been flying the T-45 aircraft as aggressively as the initial fatigue studies predicted. These studies demonstrate that the 14,400 flight hour service life can likely be extended to 21,600 flight hours, which will support meeting PTR/NTR until 2021. A T-45 SLAP is required to assess the critical areas within the structure that require modifications to achieve a 21,600 flight hour service life. This assessment will be based on the updated fleet aircraft usage spectrum and future predicted training missions of the T-45 aircraft. The assessment will address critical structural areas that are either landing and/or flight hour limited. To maintain PTR/NTR beyond 2021, analysis and studies will be conducted to outline improvements, assess manufacturing capabilities and develop specifications for future trainer aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 3182_0702207N_7_1319_PB_2012
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