Military aircraft parts procurement has always been a problem largely due to funding with its archaic process of actually obtaining money. Lockheed is still in business and Davis-Monthan is filled with retired S-3’s. Support is technically available. However, if funds allocated are not spent, the next budget allocation for the following year becomes smaller. Can’t have that. So spend every last dime each year to make sure the following year’s budget allocation goes up. This system of financing the military ensures the survivability of the bureaucracy.
Military preparedness, common sense applied to maximize usage of existing, successful assets does not enter into the equation. Similar to those who have already commented, my Naval aircraft maintenance experience demanded a lot of out of the box creativity regarding parts procurement, meaning knowing the “system” and figuring out ways to get around that bureaucratically created mess. Therefore, I am not really surprised NASA is turning to the T-34 as replacement for the S-3B.
The piston T-34 can be flown by most GA pilots. Virtually anyone with a PPL can easily be qualified to fly the T-34 eliminating the S-3B experience and currency requirements. Great aftermarket parts support for the T-34 outside of the military “system”. NASA’s budget’s up’s and down’s due to current political viewpoints determined by whatever party has the most power can be circumvented somewhat by civilian parts, civilian maintenance, and civilian pilot availability that can support the piston T-34 vs a S-3B. The T-34C is quite a different airplane than the piston T-34A/B models requiring military support for parts mainly. Only about 2-3 Charlie models are in the hands of civilians. Restoring, flying, and maintaining a Charlie Mentor vs the T-34A/B is vastly more expensive.
As a result, it makes great sense for NASA to fly a piston Mentor or two for research, especially when it is used for potential integration of unmanned and manned aircraft into the FAA controlled ATC system. All this new drone technology is becoming smaller, lighter, and much easier to install in a T-34 vs a military jet. The T-34 is a proven, highly maneuverable, delight to fly airplane. Hey, maybe an average GA pilot, especially those with T-34 and/or Bonanza experience can soon apply for a NASA research pilot position!