AAIPT - Aging Aircraft Enterprise Team (Naval Air Systems Command)
The Aging Aircraft Enterprise Team, also known as AAET, is a specialized team within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) of the United States Navy. The team's primary responsibility is to address the challenges and concerns related to the aging of naval aircraft.
The AAET was established to focus on the structural integrity and maintenance of aging aircraft, with the primary goal of ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. As naval aircraft fleets age, they require more frequent and extensive maintenance to prevent structural failures, corrosion, and other issues that can affect their performance and safety.
The AAET's responsibilities include:
- Structural integrity assessments: Evaluating the condition of aging aircraft structures, including fuselage, wings, and other critical components.
- Corrosion prevention and control: Developing and implementing techniques to prevent and mitigate corrosion, which can significantly reduce an aircraft's lifespan.
- Maintenance and repair: Identifying and addressing maintenance and repair requirements for aging aircraft, including the development of specialized repair techniques and procedures.
- Non-destructive inspection (NDI) and testing: Conducting NDI and testing to detect and evaluate the extent of damage or degradation in aging aircraft structures.
- Materials and manufacturing research: Investigating new materials and manufacturing techniques to improve the durability and maintainability of naval aircraft.
- Aging aircraft management: Developing and implementing strategies for managing the aging aircraft fleet, including prioritizing maintenance, repair, and replacement activities.
The AAET works closely with other NAVAIR teams, as well as with industry partners, to ensure that aging aircraft remain safe, reliable, and effective in supporting naval operations.