Aging of U.S. Air Force Aircraft

Many of the aircraft that form the backbone of the U.S. Air Force operational fleet are 25 years old or older. A few of these will be replaced with new aircraft, but many are expected to remain in service an additional 25 years or more. This book provides a strategy to address the technical needs and priorities associated with the Air Force's aging airframe structures. It includes a detailed summary of the structural status of the aging force, identification of key technical issues, recommendations for near-term engineering and management actions, and prioritized near-term and long-term research recommendations.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive SummaryPart I Problem Definition and Status of the Aging ForcePart II Recommended Strategy and Opportunities for Near-Term and Long-Term ResearchReferencesAppendix A: Synopses of Air Force Aging Aircraft Structural HistoriesAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members