T-45 SLAP

Abstract

3182: 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 Integrated Production Plan (IPP), previously Pilot Training Requirements, past 2025. 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, with a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), to 21,600 flight hours, which will support meeting IPP until 2035. A T-45 Structural Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) was completed in February 2012. The results are being used to provide guidance on what structural areas to SLEP. In order for the T-45 to meet IPP until 2035, it is also necessary to assess the subsystems of the T-45 in their ability to remain viable. Beginning in FY13, the T-45 subsystem SLAP effort assessed the subsystem condition of the T-45 fleet in order to determine subsystem modifications and/or redesign necessary to extend the aircraft designed service life to support IPP and Naval Flight Officer Training Requirements (NTR) until 2035. This subsystem assessment was based on the updated fleet aircraft usage spectrum and future predicted training missions of the T-45 aircraft. The assessment addressed all critical subsystems required and their ability to maintain IPP/NTR until 2035, analysis and studies will be conducted to outline improvements, assess manufacturing capabilities, prototype redesign and test of subsystems for trainer aircraft. The original funding within the T-45 SLAP budget programmed for T-45 tail hook has been absorbed into the overarching SLAP effort due to the success of T-45 additional tail hook life extension efforts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2018
Source ID
3182_0702207N_7_1319_PB_2018

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Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Software Engineering

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