F - 15 Structural Life Enhancement

This paper summarizes the effort funded by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to identify the problem structural areas on the F-15 and recommend appropriate solutions with the development of new technology. Recent modifications to the F-15 airframe structure have taken place or are under consideration to reduce honeycomb water corrosion, reduce maintenance costs, quickly produce spares, provide technology demonstration for future aircraft, and eliminating/ reducing maintenance, including NDI inspections and problem fatigue cracking issues. The recommendations in the plan address solutions that can be integrated into an overall life extension plan for fighter aircraft.