Aircraft Battle Damage Repair for the 90's and Beyond
Abstract
Combat aircraft that are damaged and sitting on the ground are completely useless to air component commanders. The goal of the United States Air Force's Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) Program is to rapidly restore these damaged aircraft to some level of combat capability. To be effective, the repairs must allow the aircraft to return to combat in time to affect the outcome of the battle. Effective battle damage repair capability can truly be a force multiplier. This research project suggests methods to improve the Air Force's ability to provide this critical service to operational field commanders. Recent changes to the way the Air Force accomplishes its mission necessitate improvements to the ABDR Program. New technology, defense downsizing, and the introduction of composite wings all affect the Air Force and consequently its aircraft battle damage repair philosophy. A comprehensive review of the current ABDR Program with emphasis on areas of improvement is therefore in order. This study begins with a review of the ABDR Program and is followed by a brief historical background of battle damage repair, an outline of the current USAF program status, and a description of basic repair techniques and philosophies. Next is a comparison of different approaches to ABDR by other military services. The study then identifies both technical and programmatic challenges which the program must address to remain viable. The final chapter contains conclusions, recommendations for improvements, and highlights of areas requiring further research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA278635
Entities
People
- Darrell H. Holcomb
Organizations
- Air University