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089738 1 (1981-12-11)

handle is hein.gao/gaobacvsz0001 and id is 1 raw text is: V- 09fq7-3 1 UNITED STATES GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE NORFOLK REGIONAL OFFICE 57 THURSTON AVENUE VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. 23455 Decemberl1. 1981 Commander Tactical Air Command 089738 Langley Air Force Base, Virginia 23665 Dear General Creech: During our review of DOD Aircraft Engine Thrust/Power Management (code 943487), we examined the operations and maintenance procedures for fuel con- servation of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The results of our examination are being consolidated with results from other sites in a separate report. We are writing to you now because we believe that changing a current maintenance practice of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing-i.e., using compressed air instead of engine, run-up to transfer fuel to test for external tank fuel leaks-would result in substantial fuel savings. This procedural change could also be applied, to other Tactical Air Command F-4 wings and to other types of aircraft operated by TAC. When external centerline fuel tanks are installed on aircraft, maintenance pesonnel test for fuel leaks. The technical order requiring the test permits using either an engine run-up or an external compressed-air/nitrogen source to provide the pressure for fuel transfer. According to 4th Tactical Fighter Wing maintenance officials, the current equipment-allowance list does not include an air compressor of the necessary size, and the on-hand nitrogen pack is not used for the transfer and leak test because it is not readily accessible. The officials told us that one engine on the aircraft is run up to_85Percent power for about-15 minutes to transfer fuel and make the test. Each time an engine is run up for this pur- pose, about 187 gallons of fuel are consumed. The centerline tanks are rein- stalled about 468 times a year in the wing for readiness inspections and evaluations, cross-country trips, and electronic countermeasures training. Our rough calculations show that this wing alone could save about 87,750 gallons of fuel costing over $100,000 annually by using compressed air for the fuel transfer and leak test. Through discussions with your staff on this fuel-leak' test procedure, we understand that the suggested number of compressors needed would be one for each squadron at a cost of $7,300 each. Maintenance officials told us that there may be other opportunities for using the air compressor to reduce fuel usage. Specifically mentioned were other (1) F-4 wings, (2) types of aircraft, and (3) maintenance procedures that require engine run-up. Considering the potential savings available through compressed air procedures, we recommend that you:

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