AS6008
Understanding AS6008 for Repair Operations
A military radar system installed in the 1990s needs a replacement RF transistor. The original part was discontinued a decade ago. The repair technician finds the part available from a broker for an attractive price. Without the protections of AS6008, that broker-sourced part could be a counterfeit — and it would be installed directly into an operational weapon system.
The MRO Counterfeit Risk
Repair operations face heightened counterfeit risk for several specific reasons:
- Obsolescence: Parts needed for repair may not be available from authorized channels, forcing procurement from higher-risk sources.
- Small quantities: MRO typically needs 1–10 pieces, quantities too small for most authorized distributors to stock, pushing procurement toward brokers.
- Schedule pressure: Aircraft grounded for repair generate enormous costs, creating pressure to source parts quickly rather than carefully.
AS6008 Requirements
The standard requires MRO facilities to maintain the same supply chain controls as new production, apply additional incoming inspection for broker-sourced parts, and document every component installed during repair with full traceability. Removed components suspected of being counterfeit must be quarantined and reported — never returned to the supply chain.
Key Equations
AS6008 is an SAE International standard that addresses the specific risks of counterfeit electronic parts entering aerospace and defense systems during maintenance, repair, and overhaul...
Key specifications:
5553 a | 32.44 dB | 60 km | 99.999 % | 45 dB | 85 dB
Power: P(dBm) = 10log(PmW), 0dBm = 1mW
Comparison
| Aspect | AS6008 Spec | Typical Range | Impact | Design Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | AS6008 is particularly relevant for mili... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Operating range | Understanding AS6008 for Repair Operatio... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Performance | The original part was discontinued a dec... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Integration | The repair technician finds the part ava... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
| Trade-off | Without the protections of AS6008 , that... | Application-dep. | Critical | Verify in sim |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to parts removed during repair?
AS6008 requires that removed components be properly dispositioned. Parts confirmed as genuine and functional may be returned to inventory with appropriate documentation. Parts that are confirmed counterfeit must be physically destroyed (not just discarded) to prevent reentry into the supply chain. Suspect parts must be quarantined pending investigation.
How does AS6008 handle obsolete components?
When a required part is no longer available from authorized sources, AS6008 requires the MRO organization to evaluate alternatives: approved substitute parts, design modifications to accommodate available components, or procurement from independent sources with enhanced testing protocols (including potentially destructive physical analysis of sample parts from the lot).
Does AS6008 apply to field-level maintenance?
The standard applies to any organization performing maintenance that involves the installation of electronic components. Field-level maintenance that involves only removing and replacing sealed modules (LRUs) faces lower risk because the replacement LRU comes from a controlled supply chain. Depot-level maintenance that opens modules and replaces individual components faces the full counterfeit risk and must implement the full AS6008 requirements.