Need for New Materials in Aging Aircraft Structures

Abstract

Post-Cold War political and economic considerations have resulted in efforts to extend the life of many aircraft that are the backboneof NATOoperational forces. Although some aredesignated to be replaced with new aircraft, the replacement schedule for many often requires an unprecedented life span of up to 80 years before retirement. Aircraft within these older e eets have had, and continue to experience with growing frequency, fatigue and corrosion related cracking problems that are of concern to operators. To sustain their airworthiness and reduce the maintenanceburden, structural componentsundergoing theseaging problemswill haveto berepairedorreplaced. Material development that has taken place since most of the older vintage military aircraft entered service has resulted in improved alloys and processes that can be used to upgrade life expectation, performance, and affordability of older systems. Someof these newer materials and theadvantages they offerovertheirolder counterparts are described.