Air Force Research Laboratory improves C-130 ramp design Published April 7, 2006 By Melissa Withrow Air Vehicles Directorate Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As part of its advanced aluminum aerostructures initiative program, researchers at Air Force Research Laboratory redesigned a C-130 ramp extension. At 30 pounds, the new ramp design is 16 pounds lighter than the previous model. In addition, the new design is safer and easier for the loadmaster to use. The ramp has ergonomic hand holds along its length and at the end to assist its stowage and removal from a tight-fitting storage slot without danger of injury to people. Overall, the new design uses fewer parts and contains no fasteners, which will make it easier and less expensive to manufacture, according to AFRL officials. The AAAI program is an AFRL-managed, congressionally-funded, advanced development program with the ultimate goal of reducing the installed cost of aluminum aerospace structures by at least 50 percent, while lowering maintenance requirements, improving performance, and reducing life-cycle costs. Achieving this goal would benefit both the Department of Defense and commercial aircraft companies in their efforts related to new and aging air vehicles, according to AFRL officials. AAAI represents a new approach to design, streamlining the design process by involving both the material manufacturer and the airframe manufacturer throughout all phases of product development. The material manufacturer leads the design team to ensure optimal use of advanced aluminum designs, processes and materials.