Aging Aircraft: Implications for Programmed Depot Maintenance and Engine-Support Costs

Abstract

RAND Project AIR FORCE'S long term interest in the topic of aging aircraft was rekindled in 1994, when we participated in the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board Summer Study that raised technical concerns about the viability of retaining certain aircraft past their original design lives. In 1997, the National Research Council's report on aging USAF aircraft reinforced those concerns. At that time, we initiated a modest Air Force sponsored research effort focused on emerging technical challenges for aircraft maintenance activities. Last summer we built on that technical background to examine the potential effects that aging aircraft would have on the costs of programmed depot maintenance (PDM) and engine support. The results of that work are documented in the annotated briefing that has been made available to the subcommittee. This year, we have broadened our review to cover other support and modernization activities where aircraft age may affect costs and readiness.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA373688

Entities

People

  • Raymond Pyles

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Design
  • Aircrafts
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Command And Control
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Corrosion
  • Costs
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Maintenance
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Military Aircraft
  • Procurement
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Transport Aircraft

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Strategic Security Studies