Landing Gear Bushing Installation

According to the LG team at Hill AFB, one of the most important drivers in removing LGs from the inventory is corrosion damage associated with bushings. In Phase 1, we developed an infrastructure, team, protocols and understanding that can now be utilized effectively in Phase 2 to achieve enhanced corrosion protection and life extension of bushings for all USAF LG platforms. During Phase 2, in addition to a more comprehensive coupon matrix, CPCs targeted at crevice corrosion, longer exposure times and higher loads, we will test one prototype (critical geometry component) that is configured with the most optimum corrosion preventive measures derived from the coupon data. The prototype will demonstrate, via coupled fatigue and environmental testing, our proof-of-commercialization concept, which is based on devising the most optimum bushing installation package for any landing gear in the Air Force inventory and beyond in the commercial marketplace.