Evaluating the Desirability of Navy F/A-18e/F Service Life Extension Programs (Sleps)

As Navy aircraft age, leaders must decide whether to modify and upgrade the aging systems or replace them. Preliminary planning has begun as to the feasibility and desirability of a service life extension program (SLEP) on the F/A-18E/F versus buying replacement Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs). This report presents ranges of parameter values that favor versus oppose undertaking E/F SLEPs.