Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
Abstract
The F-16 Blk 40/50 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) includes both a structural service life extension program as well as an upgraded avionics (modernization) effort. The avionics modernization effort would include avionics upgrades to include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that offers improved Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) capabilities as well as improved reliability and maintainability, Center Pedestal Display (CPD) that replaces existing flight instrument cluster with large color multi-function display, Electronic Warfare (EW) updates (ALQ-213) that provides a single-point access for automated or hands-on EW system control, Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) that integrates multiple intelligence broadcasts into a system of systems and migrates tactical receive terminals into a single related Joint Tactical Terminal (JTT) family. The structural SLEP includes Full Scale Durability Test (FSDT) starting in FY11 and requires a test fixture to begin structural testing and analysis to determine how the F-16 Block 40/42/50/52 airworthiness certification can be extended from the current certified service life of 8,000 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH) to 10,000+ EFH IAW the Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) and MIL-STD 1530C. Testing will take approximately 3 years and supports a Blk 40/50 Structural upgrade program that replaces or reworks known life-limited structure to preclude the onset of widespread fatigue damage, maintain safety of flight and enhance aircraft availability beyond 8,000 hours.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 37d7cd1ac523b2199a806386ecc9dbbe
Related Documents
- Root: F-16 SQUADRONS