Sensor-based monitoring enables condition-based maintenance. Early detection of imbalances, faulty equipment or other conditions means less maintenance-related test flights and fewer inspections. These HUMS systems from Airbus Helicopters, UTC Aerospace, Curtiss-Wright and Honeywell are examples of ones that can help operators keep their aircraft out making money in the air, instead of costing money in the shop.

UTC Aerospace Systems

UTC Aerospace Systems’ Pulse Health Monitoring System (PHMS) is designed to be modular and scalable. The architecture system is lightweight and distributed, able to take advantage of information from the aircraft digital data bus and integrate those parametric data points with arrays of analog and digital sensors. It provides data on:

• Vibration
• Speed
• Strain
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Position
• Current Monitoring

Customers also have the option for structural health monitoring (SHM), which can identify or trend fatigue and impact damage, monitor for corrosion cracking, identify loose fasteners or composite bond line delamination. This requires the addition of arrays of the MD7-PRO advanced structural health monitoring sensing system to PHMS.

“UTC Aerospace Systems has been working with several of our traditional OEM partners as well as conducting integrated rig testing of the PHMS monitoring aircraft sub-systems offered by other UTC Aerospace Systems business units,” said Kevin Hawko, business development manager for Vehicle Health, Sensors & Integrated Systems at UTC Aerospace. “We are also engaged with the U.S. government on demonstration programs to validate and mature the MD7-PRO SHM technology.”

Learn more at UTCAerospacesystems.com.

Curtiss-Wright/Ultra Electronics

Curtiss-Wright has partnered with Ultra Electronics to integrate HUMS within its next-generation Fortress flight recorder. No dedicated HUMS unit is required. An ED-112A qualified crash recorder integrated with HUMS can have an overall reduction in weight of some 22 to 44 pounds. Fortess HUMS uses a spare interface slot that fits an Ultra Electronics Flightline Systems HUMS card.

Features include:

• Multiple option data download capability, including physically removable media, hardwired ethernet and wireless connectivity
• Optional advanced Bayesian analytics and man readable open protocol data formats
• Option to host data locally on a restricted network, enterprise-wide on an isolated secure server installation, or globally with a private to their-party cloud
• Learn more at curtisswrightds.com.

Honeywell

Honeywell's VXP is available as both an onboard system and a portable system. Honeywell onboard systems come with a suite of capabilities, while the portable system collects and provides vibration maintenance data.

Onboard VXP can be installed on a variety of models, including Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo and Sikorsky. The solution includes:

• Health monitoring, diagnostics and recording
• Advanced drive train diagnostics
• Greater than 100db dynamic range
• Advanced rotor track and balance
• Event processing and recording
• Flight regime recognition
• Engine health monitoring
• Helicopter operation monitoring program support
• Global positioning system (GPS)
• Wireless communication interface
• Integrated inertial system using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and GPS sensors
• Three embedded processors support partitioned DO 178B software functions and systems growth
• Up to 8GB of compact flash (non-crash survivable) for vehicle or flight data recording
• The portable VXP can be equipped to Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky models, as well as MD Helicopters, Kamov, Boeing Robinson and other models — including military.
• Other Honeywell onboard HUMS products for rotorcraft include the 1134, 1209, and 1239. Honeywell’s EV2K+ portable system can also be equipped to a variety of rotorcraft models.
• Learn more at aerospace.honeywell.com.

The portable VXP can be equipped to Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky models, as well as MD Helicopters, Kamov, Boeing Robinson and other models — including military.

Other Honeywell onboard HUMS products for rotorcraft include the 1134, 1209, and 1239. Honeywell’s EV2K+ portable system can also be equipped to a variety of rotorcraft models.

Learn more at aerospace.honeywell.com.

On the Horizon: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is currently working on obtaining an STC for EC145 C2 HUMS, and expects one come year’s end. The company has partnered with Ultra Electronics to develop HUMS that can be retrofitted to the legacy aircraft. New H145s have HUMS integrated into the Helionix avionics system that monitors engine health.

Eventually, Airbus said, it aims to fit all four of its light helicopter models with HUMS. RWI