NEW: Follow the Editorial Staff on
StrategyPage Twitter Link

GROUND COMBAT +

AIR COMBAT +

NAVAL OPERATIONS +

SPECIAL OPERATIONS +

HUMAN FACTORS +

SPECIAL WEAPONS +

WARFARE BY THE NUMBERS +

LOGISTICS +

TOOLS +


Visit StrategyPage's US Cavalry Store
Air Transportation Article Index : Current 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
 Latest
 News 		  Most
 Read 		  Most
 Commented		  Hot
 Topics

December 16, 1999

With most of its aviation funds tied up in the V-22 Osprey program (and the expensive upgrades to the UH-1 and AH-1 fleets), the Marines are looking for ways to keep their CH-53 and CH-46 helicopters flying until 2025. As they stand, these airframes will not last that long; they will reach their maximum service lives by 2010-2015. The Marines plan to upgrade 140 of their 160 CH-53Es, converting the last two squadrons to V-22s. The CH-53E upgrade is known as "tube and tail" since it replaces or strengthens the structural members in the cabin and tail sections. While no money has been allocated, the Marines are hoping to get the funds for a program to develop the refit from 2004-2008, with conversion starting in 2011 at a rate of 15 aircraft per year. The problem with the CH-46 fleet is the engines, which have grown increasingly unreliable. Mean time between repairs has fallen from 900 hours a few years ago to only 370. The Marines know that they will have to improve this score in order to keep the CH-46s flying until 2012, when they will start being replaced by MV-22s.--Stephen V Cole
submit to reddit
Send Link to a Friend

   






New Strategy - Wargames at Discount Prices
1.Modern Air Power: War Over the Middle East
2.Commander: Napoleon at War
3.Close Combat: Watch am Rhein
4.Gallic Wars
5.Fast Action Battle: The Bulge

100+ Computer and Board games all with free shipping.
 
 
 

StrategyWorld.com© 1998 - 2009StrategyWorld.com. All rights Reserved. StrategyWorld.com, StrategyPage.com, FYEO, For Your Eyes Only and Al Nofi's CIC are all trademarks of StrategyWorld.com Privacy Policy