Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program

The Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) is a critical Air Force initiative funded under Program Element (PE) 0207268F, designed to provide sustaining engineering support for in-service aircraft engines. The program's primary goals are to maintain flight safety, correct operational deficiencies, improve system operational readiness (OR), enhance reliability and maintainability (R&M), and reduce engine life cycle costs (LCC). CIP also serves as the main vehicle for implementing emerging technologies, such as additive manufacturing and digital engineering, to address these objectives and improve overall engine performance.

The program is structured to support engines throughout their service life, with funding and effort gradually decreasing as engines age, focusing on essential safety and depot-level repairs.

Within PE 0207268F, the Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (Project 671012) encompasses several major engine lines, each with specific objectives. For the F100 Aircraft Engine CIP, the focus is on supporting the F-15 and F-16 fleets by executing tasks such as engine component redesign, repair/rework procedures, engine maturation, and life limit/mission analysis. The program validates redesigned parts and new repair methods to address obsolescence, improve reliability, and sustain flight safety. Accelerated Mission Tests (AMTs) are conducted to identify safety and reliability issues early, reducing the risk of operational impacts.

The F110 Aircraft Engine CIP targets engines used in the B-1, B-2, F-15, F-16, and U-2 aircraft. Objectives include maintaining flight safety, addressing parts obsolescence, and improving operational readiness and reliability. The program executes multiple engineering tasks, such as component redesign and repair development, and validates new procedures to ensure continued safe and cost-effective operation. Like other CIP lines, the F110 effort includes AMT activities and responds to emerging Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).

The F119 Aircraft Engine CIP supports the F-22 fleet, with similar goals of maintaining flight safety, addressing obsolescence, and improving reliability and maintainability. The program executes targeted engineering tasks, including redesigns and repairs, and validates new approaches to sustain the F-22 propulsion system. Planning for AMTs is included to proactively address potential safety and reliability concerns before they impact operational fleets.

The Other Aircraft Engine CIP line covers a broad range of legacy and future engines, supporting over 8,000 engines and 16,000 auxiliary power units (APUs) across platforms such as the C-130, T-38, UH-1N/HH-60G/HH-60W, A-10, B-52, AWACS, JSTARS, and cruise missiles. The program provides specialized Propulsion Corporate Excellence (P-CORE) personnel to address flight safety, reliability, supportability, and affordability, especially in the context of emerging manufacturing and supply chain challenges. This line also supports developmental engineering for future engines and includes AMT planning for all CIP engines.

The F135 Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (Project 675365) specifically supports the F-35 propulsion system. Its objectives are to maintain flight safety, correct service-revealed deficiencies, improve operational readiness and reliability, and reduce life cycle costs for the F135 engine. The program uses accelerated mission testing and Lead the Fleet operational use to identify and resolve propulsion-related issues before they affect operational performance. Funding for this line was provided in one fiscal year, with no planned funding in the following two years, but future tasks are anticipated in subsequent years.

The Aircraft Engine CIP is executed through sole source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and DoD agencies, supporting more than 23 engine models. The program's acquisition strategy ensures rapid response to field events and engine deficiencies, prioritizing safety and readiness. Congressional adjustments have influenced recent funding, with increases for additive manufacturing initiatives and reductions for specific activities. The program also includes management services and civilian pay expenses to support program execution and oversight.