The Effects of Advanced Materials on Airframe Operating and Support Costs

Abstract

Advanced materials particularly polymer composites and titanium are increasingly being used in the airframes of high-performance military aircraft. With that in mind, this study concentrates on answering a fundamental question: Do advanced airframe materials cost more to maintain than aluminum, which has historically been the most common material used in airframe structures? Although considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the acquisition costs of advanced materials, very little is known about their operating and support (O&S) costs after an aircraft is fielded and fully operational. In an effort to gain a better understanding of advanced-material O&S costs, we produced a methodology for forecasting those costs, which we present in this documented briefing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA415518

Entities

People

  • John C. Graser
  • Obaid Younossi
  • Raj Raman

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Airframes
  • Business Administration
  • Composite Materials
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Aircraft
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.
  • Theoretical Analysis.