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Creating Data Packages For Aircraft Resupply
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Abstract
The service of many military aircraft is being extended far beyond original design lives. When the C-130 is eventually retired, for example, it will have been in service for 79 years, well beyond its planned life expectancy of 40 years. Similarly, the line of KC-135's is presently expected to remain operational for 86 years, and the venerable B-52 an astounding 94 years! Not only are inventories of parts in short supply, but it may be necessary to acquire parts no one ever expected to replace. The first step in any reprocurement activity is the creation of a data package that can be submitted to suppliers for bid. If no computer-aided design (CAD) model exists, which is likely with older parts, the demands of modern electronic commerce dictate that one be created. If the original alloy is no longer obtainable, which is also likely with older parts, the demands of functional equivalence dictate that a suitable substitute be found and certified. Computed tomography (CT) offers an ideal way to obtain dimensional and material data critical to reverse engineering efforts. Industrial CT systems have progressed to the point where they can nondestructively measure part dimensions to an accuracy competitive with coordinate measuring machines and a speed competitive with laser scanners. Of the existing methods for obtaining part coordinates, only CT can dimension interior surfaces. Moreover, only CT has the ability to densitometrically quantify internal defects — a key consideration for computer-aided engineering activities. This paper describes the use of CT to help create data packages for resupply efforts and examples are presented.
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1998