Content, scope and capabilities of different levels of maintenance and repair of aviation gas turbine engines of tactical aviation aircraft
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54858/dndia.2025-21-29Keywords:
aviation gas turbine engine (GTE), maintenance and repair (M&R) system, airworthiness.Abstract
The airworthiness of aviation gas turbine engines (GTEs) used in tactical aviation is sustained through a comprehensive system of maintenance and repair (M&R). The paper investigates the content, scope, and functional capabilities of various M&R levels for aviation GTEs, focusing on a comparative assessment of two approaches: the classical Soviet hierarchical maintenance system applied to engines such as the RD-33, AL-31F, AL-21F-3T, and R-95Sh, and the three-level maintenance model used for Western engines such as the F100-PW-229 and F110-GE-129. The authors provide an analytical evaluation of the work composition at each M&R level, the scale of diagnostic and repair operations, personnel qualification requirements, material and technical support, and spare-parts logistics. It is demonstrated that the three-level maintenance architecture—with a significant role played by field repair units and specialized repair-diagnostic centers—ensures greater flexibility in allocating repair workloads, reduces aircraft downtime, and optimizes resource utilization while maintaining the required level of flight safety.
The paper also considers practical steps for integration, including standardization of technical documentation and terminology, upskilling of engineering and technical personnel, establishment of repair-diagnostic centers, definition of spare-parts requirements and logistics chains, and implementation of resource accounting and repair quality control systems. Recommendations are provided for optimizing cost and time during the transition to a modified M&R system, including phased introduction of diagnostic technologies, centralization of complex repair activities, and delegation of routine servicing tasks to lower echelons. It is emphasized that incorporating operational and maintenance experience from the F100 and F110 engine programs can enhance resource management efficiency and extend the service life of legacy Soviet-designed engines through the implementation of modern diagnostic methodologies and optimized logistics
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