Abstract
This article aims to present and discuss a set of technical matters affecting the maintenance and sustainment cost of military transport aircraft (airlifters). An overview of the military aviation technical support system is provided, in conjunction with a high level discussion on the life cycle cost. Four technical support pillars are defined as part of this analysis: supply, restoration and upgrade, engineering and regulatory compliance. A focused discussion on airlift sustainment factors, based on past experience, is used to identify technical considerations that can be used for the evaluation of new aircraft. A number of technical considerations which are key for cost purposes are identified and mapped against the defined technical support pillars, related to engineering and technical support and airworthiness management aspects. Important practical technical considerations are identified, discussed and critiqued under an independent lens. This article can stimulate discussion of the maintenance and sustainment costs of airlifters, both within military aviation operators and the defence industry community but also within the civil aircraft maintenance industry.
Highlights
Technical Support in Military AviationThe technical support system in the United States and European military aviation is typically structured as organisational (squadron level), intermediate (base level) and depot level maintenance
This article aims to present and discuss a set of technical matters affecting the maintenance and sustainment cost of military transport aircraft
The technical support system in the United States and European military aviation is typically structured as organisational, intermediate and depot level maintenance
Summary
The technical support system in the United States and European military aviation is typically structured as organisational (squadron level), intermediate (base level) and depot level maintenance. Restoration and upgrade at depot (D) level, where overhaul takes place and, in general, any technical (maintenance) activity beyond the capability of the base and the squadron This includes shop-level maintenance for components and engine overhaul. Often, in military aviation, the role of the regulator is not completely independent of the chain of operational command [1], unlike civil aviation These technical support pillars (supply, restoration and upgrade, engineering and regulatory compliance) are intended to sustain the airworthiness and the operational capability of a military aircraft fleet. Operational readiness has an impact and it is affected by grounding time
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