F-16 MLU / SLEP

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F-16 MLU / SLEP
« em: Maio 05, 2018, 06:22:49 pm »
New Life for F-16s a ‘Great Deal’ for Department of Defense, Taxpayers

 (Source: Air Combat Command; issued May 03, 2018)


This US Air Force F-16C fighter of the Thunderbird aerobatic team is the first of 300 F-16C/Ds to receive structural modifications as part of the F-16 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) that will keep them flying for decades. (USAF photo)

 HILL AFB, Utah --- The Ogden Air Logistics Complex reached a major milestone in extending the life of one of the Air Force’s most tested and flown multi-role fighter fleets.

 An Air Force Thunderbird jet is the first of what will be roughly 300 refurbished C and D model F-16’s that will roll off the shop floor of the 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here after receiving multiple structure-strengthening modifications.

“As a former maintenance officer for the Thunderbirds, I can fully grasp the significance of this achievement by the 573rd AMXS,” said Brig. Gen. Stacey Hawkins, Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander. “Not only did the team increase aircraft availability for the Air Force’s most visible fighter squadron, but it paved the way for increasing combat lethality for our warfighters across the globe.”

The F-16 Service Life Extension Program will keep the jets flying until nearly 2050, thanks to a partnership between the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center’s F-16 Systems Program Office.

 The program combines a dozen structural modifications into one repeatable package – from bulkheads to wings and canopy. The jets, which became operational in 1979, and were originally deemed air worthy for up to 8,000 flight hours, will have their life extended up to 12,000 flying hours – possibly more, said Capt. Randy Nemerson, F-16 SLEP acquisition manager.

 All the stateside SLEP modifications will be completed at Hill. Years of planning and testing have gone into the program here. AFLCMC, depot and contract engineers have worked together to lay the groundwork, said Nemerson.

 The Thunderbird jet was the first of four F-16s that will be used as “validation and verification” aircraft. Maintainers use the challenges and lessons learned on these first aircraft to better establish the cost, workflow and timeline for the modifications.

“The Thunderbird jet presented some challenges. This is the largest structural upgrade we’ve ever done,” said Joe Gardenhour, civilian leader in the 573rd AMXS. “But we’re excited. This program moves beyond the usual modifications into a standard package of repairs, and it is going to bring stable workload into the depot for years to come.”

As with nearly every major maintenance program, SLEP is a group effort in the complex. The maintenance support group is hunting for space for the increased workload. The entire team is working on hiring, training and certifying a new crop of mechanics and technicians to take on SLEP.

 In the commodities maintenance group, where F-16 wings will be refurbished, advanced and automated machinery needs to be purchased and installed along with older, refurbished machines and jigs.

 Repairing the wings in-house is a big undertaking, doubling the squadron’s current wing workload, but engineers say it will save millions of dollars. Schedules between the back shops and aircraft maintenance also need to be closely coordinated so parts and tools are ready at the proper times for tear down and reassembly.

“This is really is a big initiative across the complex, but in commodities we support everyone – F-35, F-22, C-130, A-10s, so there’s always something new and we’re pretty accustomed to taking on the challenge,” said Shane Olsen, leader of the 533rd Commodities Maintenance Squadron.

 Once the final processes and workforce are in place, the goal is to complete each SLEP jet in 9 months at a cost of $2.4 million, a small fraction of the cost of buying a new aircraft. The F-16 SPO is also working on a separate software and technology upgrade for the F-16.

 http://www.thefifthcolumn.xyz/Forum/viewthread.php?tid=110&page=2

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« Última modificação: Maio 05, 2018, 06:25:00 pm por tenente »
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Re: F-16 MLU / SLEP
« Responder #1 em: Maio 10, 2018, 06:09:36 am »
First F-16 to receive life extension modifications rolls out of shop

 09 May, 2018 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Garrett Reim Los Angeles


 An Air Force Thunderbird jet was the first Lockheed Martin F-16 to have a service life extension – modifications that will add more than 4,000 flight hours to the aircraft’s lifetime.

The aircraft is one of about 300 refurbished C and D models of the F-16s that will roll off the shop floor of the 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah after receiving structure-strengthening modifications, the USAF announced on May 3.

 The F-16 service life extension programme is aimed at keeping the fighters flying until close to 2050. The jets became operational in 1979 and were originally deemed air worthy for up to 8,000 flight hours, but will have their life extended up to 12,000 flight hours as part of the programme. The jets will receive a dozen structural modifications, including changes to their bulkheads, wings and canopy.

“The Thunderbird jet presented some challenges. This is the largest structural upgrade we’ve ever done,” said Joe Gardenhour, civilian leader in the 573rd AMXS. “This programme moves beyond the usual modifications into a standard package of repairs, and it is going to bring stable workload into the depot for years to come.”

The Thunderbird jet was the first of four F-16s that will be used as validation and verification aircraft. Maintainers will use lessons learned from these first aircraft to better establish the cost, workflow and timeline for the modification of future aircraft.

 Once the final processes and workforce are in place, the USAF’s goal is to complete each fighter in 9 months at a cost of $2.4 million.

http://www.thefifthcolumn.xyz/Forum/viewthread.php?tid=110&page=2

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Quando um Povo/Governo não Respeita as Suas FFAA, Não Respeita a Sua História nem se Respeita a Si Próprio  !!
 

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Stalker79

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Re: F-16 MLU / SLEP
« Responder #2 em: Maio 10, 2018, 12:35:52 pm »
Se os poderes que mandam vêem isto, para além do upgrade para a versão V ainda aplicam o SLEP em cima e ficamos a operar F-16´s até 2050!
 :jok: :Piloto:
 

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Re: F-16 MLU / SLEP
« Responder #3 em: Maio 10, 2018, 02:01:25 pm »
Os nossos Viper vão durar mais que os BUFF  ;D
Talent de ne rien faire
 

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Re: F-16 MLU / SLEP
« Responder #4 em: Março 17, 2019, 05:51:44 pm »
Lockheed and AIM Norway to form F-16 sustainment hub in Norway



Lockheed Martin has reached an agreement with AIM Norway to jointly form the first F-16 ‘Falcon Depot’ centre in Norway to serve the global fleet.

The facility will offer services for the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) and other regional F-16 Fighting Falcon customers.
It will be established in Kjeller, Norway, at an existing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility used by the RNoAF.

Through the partnership, Lockheed Martin intends to leverage AIM Norway’s F-16 sustainment knowledge to benefit F-16 customers across the globe.

Lockheed Martin is the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft.
The company selected AIM Norway for its extensive technical expertise and MRO experience.

“AIM Norway is extremely proud that Lockheed Martin recognises our experienced personnel, competence and capabilities.”
Lockheed Martin F-16 Program vice-president Susan Ouzts said: “Lockheed Martin is extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with AIM Norway and Norway.

“This first-of-its-kind Falcon Depot Center reflects the strong global demand for F-16 sustainment services, which is poised to grow as we continue to produce new F-16s and upgrade existing aircraft.”

Lockheed Martin expects F-16 production opportunities to total more than 400 aircraft, allowing it to increase the global customer base.

Currently, more than 3,000 F-16s are in service with the armed forces of 25 countries.

AIM Norway CEO Ove Haukåssveen said: “AIM Norway is extremely proud that Lockheed Martin recognises our experienced personnel, competence and capabilities. Together we will ensure continued success and readiness for existing and new F-16 operators.”

The F16 is equipped with the Lockheed Martin LANTIRN infrared navigation and targeting system.

https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/lockheed-aim-norway-f-16-hub-norway/

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