*3.6. Ageing and Obsolescence*

Due to the tendency to utilise military transport aircraft for longer than originally projected, ageing and obsolescence are becoming more profound challenges. Both have to be taken into consideration when evaluating for the acquisition of older (pre-owned), ye<sup>t</sup> more a ffordable, airlifters. This, however, has to be examined in conjunction with the sought operational requirements, the operational tempo and the anticipated life cycle. An operator may utilise e fficiently, within their budget, older aircraft with a good service history and a good structural condition, for five or even ten years. The recent example

of the United States (US) Navy procurement of an ex-Royal Air Force (RAF) C-130J for \$30 million (in comparison to the cost of \$80 million for a new aircraft) is characteristic [4].
