F-35

Abstract

The F135 Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) supports F-35 single-engine fighter propulsion system. It provides the only source of critical developmental engineering support for the F135 propulsion system. F135 CIP maintains flight safety (highest priority), to correct service revealed deficiencies, to improve system Operational Readiness (OR) and Reliability & Maintainability (R&M), to reduce propulsion system Life Cycle Cost (LCC), and sustain the propulsion system throughout its service life. Historically, aircraft systems change missions, tactics, and environment (including new fuels) and meet changing threats throughout their lives. New technical problems can develop in the propulsion system through actual use and the F135 CIP provides the means to develop fixes for field problems. F135 CIP funding is driven by field events and type/maturity of the propulsion system, not by the total quantity. The program starts with government acceptance of the first procurement-funded engine and continues over the propulsion system's life, gradually decreasing to a minimum level (safety/depot repairs) sufficient to keep older inventory operational. F135 CIP, through "Lead the Fleet" operational use and accelerated mission testing, identifies and fixes propulsion-related problems ahead of operational impacts. F135 CIP addresses out-of-warranty usage/life and enables the Air Force to obtain additional warranties when the manufacturer incorporate F135 CIP improvements into production. F135 CIP ensures continued improvements in R&M, which reduce out year support costs. Historically, R&M related F135 CIP efforts significantly reduce out year O&M and spares costs.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: 675365_0207268F_7_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Life Cycle Cost Analysis