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A line-replaceable unit , lower line-replaceable unit , line-replaceable component , or line-replaceable item is a modular component of an airplane, ship or spacecraft that is designed to be replaced quickly at an operating location. The different lines are essential for logistics planning and operation. An LRU is usually a sealed unit such as a radio or other auxiliary equipment. LRUs are typically assigned logistics control numbers or work unit codes to manage logistics operations.
LRUs can improve maintenance operations, because they can be stocked and replaced quickly from distributed nearby on-site inventories , restoring the mobile systems to service, while the failed LRU is undergoing complicated repair and overhaul actions in other support locations. Because of their modularity, LRUs also can contribute reducing system costs and increase quality, by centralizing development across different models of vehicles.
LRUs are similar in nature to shop-replaceable units , but rather than being component functions, represent complete functional units.