Aging aircraft systems present complex problems because the price of sustainment increases as Original Engineering Manufacturers (OEMs) abandon costly manufacture of parts deemed obsolete and suppliers dwindle. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is in critical need of additional suppliers for the A-10 forward and aft fuel cells. Currently, only two qualified suppliers exist. Lengthy manufacturing times and ongoing quality concerns are causing a severe supply shortage. For this Phase I effort, KIHOMAC will collaborate with DLA Weapons System Program Managers (WSPMs), Engineering Support Activities (ESAs), and A-10 subject matter experts to complete and deliver a Category III Source Approval Request (SAR) package to qualify as a source of supply for the A-10 forward fuel cell. Due to similar structure and material, KIHOMAC will pursue follow-on efforts for the A-10 aft fuel cell. In addition, the F-16 is experiencing similar fuel cell supply shortages. KIHOMAC will leverage the reverse engineering and technical data package analysis for this Phase I effort to lead into future efforts supporting F-16.
