USAF Damage Tolerance Methods Applied to General Aviation Aircraft Design and Analysis

THE PRIMARY GOAL of all USAF structural design and maintenance is to improve the structural reliability and readiness of operational aircraft. Therefore our entire defense posture hinges upon this ability. The same goal should be attainable with corporate and airline aircraft with overall efficiency and profits as the dominating factor rather than national defense.

The purpose of this paper is to present some guidance to USAF experience and expertise in damage tolerant design philosophy and applications to the general aviation community. Although the USAF fleet is much more tightly controlled in it's operation than the general aviation fleet, certain design and maintenance practices will be beneficial to both manufacturers and operators alike.