combat flight inspection - CFIN

CFIN00 combat flight inspection - CFIN, is a critical initiative within the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget activity. The specific goal of this program is to support the unique military equipment on three Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) owned, Air Force operated, Canadair Challenger flight inspection aircraft to provide the DoD Combat Flight Inspection (CFIN) capability. This capability is essential for validating and certifying airfield instrument approach and landing equipment, ensuring they are safe and meet specifications before all-weather combat flight operations can begin. The program aims to ensure the safety, reliability, and maintainability of the C-143 fleet through low-cost modifications necessary to address emerging issues regarding flight safety and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues.

The CFIN program is specifically designed to enhance the Air Force's combat capability by providing critical validation and certification of airfield instrument approach and landing equipment. This involves modifying three FAA Canadair Challenger aircraft with unique military equipment required for the CFIN mission, including secure anti-jam radios, military Identification Friend or Foe Mode IV and V transponders, and survivability equipment. The program's objectives include mitigating emerging issues regarding flight safety, reliability, and maintainability of the C-143 fleet through low-cost modifications. Additionally, funding may be used to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues. This new start program in FY24 requires funding for low-cost mods to ensure the continued effectiveness of the CFIN capability.