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Old December 20th 07, 12:35 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Roger (K8RI)
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Posts: 727
Default Another Ancient Military Plane Grounded

On Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:55:09 -0800 (PST), Jay Honeck
wrote:

More metal fatigue. Our military might as well be a chapter of the
Antique Aircraft Association in Blakesburg, Iowa...
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Washington, USA - "Structural fatigue"
(WAPA) - The US Navy decided to ground 39 of its 161 P-3C Orion
reconnaissance planes, because according to data resulting from
examinations they show signs of "Structural fatigue on the lower
section of the wing". The aircraft will now undergo maintenance
interventions, which are expected to take from 18 to 24 months.

The P-3C Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft, produced in its first
model in the late 1950s by the Lockheed Martin Corporation, which
played an important role in the Cold War and are presently employed
among other in reconnaissance operations in the Iraq conflict. These
four-engine turboprops are expected to be gradually replaced by
Boeing's P-8A Poseidons, but the Navy counts to continue using the
P-3s until 2019. Therefore careful and periodical maintenance
activities will be needed.

Another model of aircraft of the US armed forces to have recently
showed signs of fatigue has been the F-15 jet fighter (see AVIONEWS).
(Avionews)
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How long can our guys be expected to hold the line with these ancient
airplanes?


Although it's a bit long in the tooth I think the P-3 is very well
suited for it's mission for distance, duration, and wide range of
altitude and speed of operation. http://www.rogerhalstead.com/p3s.htm
Roger (K8RI)