1. 2016 Maintenance Innovation Challenge
F-16 External Fuel Tank Inspection Process
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Lengthy 300 and 370 gallon External Fuel tanks annual inspection process and delivery to and from the flightline creates a back log during high surge periods.
BENEFITS
The 300 and 370 tanks are removed from the aircraft for a minimum amount of time to complete the inspection, and then the tanks are quickly reinstalled back on the aircraft.
The implementation of the new inspection method removes the requirement of additional manning for transportation of the tanks (to and from the inspection location), the associated wait times (needed for transportation of the tanks), and the additional storage space required (within the fuel system repair facility).
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION
Utilized a MIL-STD-810 or equivalent standard bore scope to perform an F and 370 gallon external fuel tank annual inspection.
GRAPHIC
Bore Scope