Warranty/cannibalization issues, disruptive forces in the production and maintainability of the E-2C aircraft

Abstract

This thesis analyzes manufactures' warranties and cannibalization issues as they affect the maintainability on the E-2C aircraft. The analysis includes cannibalization structures, reasons why squadrons cannibalize, alternatives to cannibalization, cannibalization issues that affect maintenance personnel morale, and the disruptive effects of manufacturers' warranties to the fleet. The research identified that introducing production aircraft to the fleet without proper logistical support increases aircraft cannibalization and decreases maintainability. Cannibalization should not be used to increase aircraft readiness, since it doubles maintenance man-hours and depletes resources. Inconsistent Aviation Maintenance and Material Management (AV-3M) data contributes to aircraft cannibalization. An acquisition strategy that identifies logistics problems early will give the logistician an opportunity to decrease cannibalization