Life Extension of Aircraft Components - An IAF Perspective

Abstract

Due to escalating cost of aircraft and feasibility for upgrading existing fleet with advance technology insertions at comparatively lesser cost, a trend is observed world over to extend the life of aircraft. IAF is no exception to this.Since OEMs have started demanding exhorbitant fees for giving life extension technology of their aircraft, a number of life extension projects have been undertaken by IAF with the help of various R&D, Public Sector, academic,certification and inspection agencies. These studies have highlighted the need to carry out basic and applied research for life extension of various aircraft components like airframe structures, aeroengine, undercarriage, canopies /perspex and rotables. A core group formed at the instance of IAF has identified these proposals under a project code named `Project LIFEX'. It is the perception of IAF that adequate expertise is available within the country to meet all her life extension requirements.