Evaluating the Desirability of Navy F/A-18E/F Service Life Extension Programs (SLEPs)
Abstract
This report resulted from a U.S. Navy request to the RAND Corporation to assess the cost effectiveness of prospective service life extension programs (SLEPs) on F/A-18E/F fighter jets and C-2A transport aircraft. The Navy's request and the methodology we present in this report assume that a SLEPed aircraft and the potential replacement aircraft have comparable capabilities. SLEPs are complex depot-level overhauls in which an aircraft is extensively inspected, cracked or worn materials are repaired or replaced, computer systems are upgraded, and mechanical function is ensured. When a SLEP is undertaken, it is assumed that a number of extra years of operation are added to an aircraft's life. Likewise, one might hope that a post- SLEP aircraft performs better, e.g., has greater availability levels or lower maintenance costs. However, many key parameters are uncertain, e.g., the cost of the SLEP, the additional years of service provided by the SLEP, the cost of the alternative new aircraft. Given this uncertainty, we assess which parameters are most crucial to decision making and present ranges of their values that favor versus oppose undertaking SLEPs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA534661
Entities
People
- Deborah Peetz
- Edward G. Keating
- Irv Blickstein
- Jess Chandler
- Michael Boito
Organizations
- RAND Corporation