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Laser Automated Decoating System (LADS) Maintenance and Support Period of Performance: March 2001 - June 2003 |
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Principal Investigator: Michael Drake |
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The LADS system suffered numerous hardware failures in 2000 and was not operational much of the year and into 2001. Since the beginning of this task, all of the hardware failures have been repaired. The LADS was back in operation by mid-June 2001. Working out the kinks in the system took several more months. However, by the end of the year, monthly operational times had increased to the 80 to 90% category. Routine maintenance procedures continued to be defined, refined, documented, and initiated. The primary issues impacting operational time now are component failures due to aging electronics. These failures are being addressed through a documented reverse engineering process. Throughout this process, the unique/one-of-a-kind components are being reverse engineered and replaced with COTS components, whenever possible. Each repaired or replaced component includes removal and replacement procedures and drawings. With the currently implemented LADS maintenance processes and support procedures, the LADS has entered a new era. The LADS is becoming a one-of-a-kind system constructed of 95% COTS components and 5% unique, but available, components. |
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This website is maintained by:
Gloria Hardy |
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operated in the Technical Repair Division of the Aircraft Directorate at Hill AFB.
This laser based system removes the paint from radomes and various other aircraft components.
This task order was initiated on March 2, 2001. The focus of this CET is to increase LADS
production time.