Glider Mods

GLID00 Glider Mods, is a part of the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget activity and focuses on modifying various gliders and trainer aircraft used at the United States Air Force Academy. The specific goals of this program include funding modifications to extend the service life, improve performance, and modernize the weapon systems of the TG-15, TG-16, TG-17 gliders, T-41, T-51, T-53, and UV-18 aircraft. In FY24, the primary effort is Low Cost Modifications, which includes avionics modification, performance enhancement, spare engines procurement, compliance with FAA Service Bulletins and Air Worthiness Directives, program support costs, and studies and analysis. The T-53 performance enhancement modification aims to achieve a climb requirement of 500'/min in all Density Altitude conditions and improve safety for aircraft parachute deployment.

The specific objectives of Program GLID00 are to ensure the airworthiness of U.S. Air Force Academy aircraft and to implement low-cost modifications that will extend service life and enhance performance. This includes procuring and installing enhancement kits for the T-53 performance enhancement modification in FY24. Additionally, the program supports a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. The modifications are essential for meeting AETC climb requirements and ensuring safe mission execution at extreme Density Altitude limits during Powered Flight Program operations. The program also aims to address marginal climb rates observed in current aircraft configurations and provide a safe alternative in the event of an engine failure for pilots-in-command.