Innovative Processes Strengthen F-15E Vertical Stabilizers

AFRL materials engineers resolved a potentially serious problem that affects the operational life of F-15E vertical stabilizers. Working with engineers from Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC), Georgia, they successfully developed, demonstrated, and transitioned an adhesive bonding process and nondestructive inspection (NDI) technique that ensure the stiffening doublers attached to both sides of the aircraft's two vertical stabilizers remain adequately secured (see figure on next page). Successful transition of these innovative methods restores the operational life of the vertical stabilizers.