Flight International online news 11:00GMT: Boeing is to use its 787 programme to launch radio frequency identification (RFID) labeling on maintenance-significant parts.
The US manufacturer says it will use identification standards developed by US trade group the Air Transport Association. “Typical [787] parts to incorporate RFID smart labels will be serialized end items such as line replaceable units and life-limited parts as well as on-board emergency equipment,” says Boeing.
Smart labels will be applied during the manufacturing process by the responsible systems and equipment supplier prior to delivering the airplane to airlines.
Boeing adds: “Information stored on the RFID tag will enhance parts traceability and reduce cycle time to solve in-service problems by improving the accuracy of information exchanged between customers and suppliers.”
Boeing has completed two in-service RFID tests on a FedEx MD-10 freighter to see if RFID transmissions have any negative affect on the operation of aircraft. “The tests showed that passive RFID devices do not adversely affect the simultaneous operation of any aircraft systems or interfere with continued safety of flight,” says Boeing.
DARREN SHANNON/WASHINGTON
Source: Flight International
