Considerations in the Service Life Extension Program for the C-141 Aircraft

The C-141 aircraft have had a long and useful life in the inventory of the United States Air Force. The issues associated with the extension of the life of this aircraft is typical of the problems faced in the extension of the life of any aircraft. One of the main issues is the corrosion damage in the aircraft. Another of the main issues is widespread fatigue damage. The presence of either of these problems could be life limiting or, at least, incur a significant economic impact to correct the problem. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the life extension issues related to structural integrity for the C-141 aircraft.