Scrappy_The_Crow

Scrappy_The_Crow t1_jac60wz wrote

Depending on the model, BUFFs have had significant refitting of structural components. Some D models were re-skinned on the lower wings and parts of the fuselage in the 1970s (the Ds were retired in '83) and the Gs and Hs had wing spar replacements in the late '70s, as low-level flying was taking a toll (the Gs were retired in '93).

Overall, all military aircraft are subjected to significant testing, both at the airframe level and component level for some things (like landing gear), with replacement as necessary.

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