Flying into austere airfields under diminished visual conditions always has been an occupational hazard for military transport pilots. Because these facilities generally have no precision approach radar, or instrument landing systems, they are impossible to access and land on when ceilings and forward visibility are zero/zero due to fog, snow, rain, dust, or smoke. But that could be changing if an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) demonstration project proves successful.

T he world of military aircraft navigation and communication avionics is changing apace. Rapidly developing global air traffic communications and navigation requirements, along with new war-fighting concepts, mandate digital cockpit upgrades intended to prolong the life and usefulness of older military aircraft. While upgrading the avionics will mean a significant investment, it will keep many airframes viable for as much as 40 more years, said Tom Conard, director of business development-Air Force support programs for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis.

As commercial and military airframe OEMs make greater use of composites in primary and secondary structures, they and their customers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for erosion control, an issue for which there is no permanent fix. While minor erosion on a composite component does not present an immediate safety of flight issue, it still mandates vigilance and early intervention, because the longer the repairs are deferred on the part, the more involved and expensive the scope of repairs will become.