Real-time downlinking of helicopter health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) data via satellite is being demonstrated by Draper Laboratory using a US Navy Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk.
Goodrich's IMD (integrated mechanical diagnostic)-HUMS has been integrated with an OuterLink CP-2 satellite communications terminal to enable wireless remote access and data transfer.
The trial is part of the US Navy/Army joint advanced health and usage monitoring system (JAHUMS) demonstration, which aims to validate the operational utility of advanced HUMS technology and demonstrate an open-architecture approach to implementing HUMS in helicopter fleets. Goodrich's IMD-HUMS is being installed in Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y as well as Sikorsky CH-53E, SH-60B, MH-60S/R and UH-60L helicopters for the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Under the JAHUMS demonstration, several modules are being integrated into the HUMS. One of these is the smart monitor system, which allows real-time wireless monitoring of the SH-60's systems via satellite link. This will allow aircraft faults to be diagnosed in real time under actual flight conditions. The downlink will also allow the aircraft to be tracked and located if there is a problem.
Another module is the virtual sensor system which uses neural-network technology to synthesise parameters not directly monitored by the HUMS. The system combines sensor inputs with "learned" data and estimates low-airspeed information, aircraft gross weight and rotor dynamic loads. This will improve structural usage monitoring of fatigue-critical components.
Source: Flight International