BUILT-IN DATA GATHERING
Integrated bussed data systems incorporated into the designs of modernized helicopters, such as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter shown here during flare testing, provide “on platform” data-gathering capability. (U.S. Army photo.)
There are three basic ways to reduce bur- den: by reducing the total number of these events, the frequency of a single event, or the cost of an event. But only after identifying and analyzing the causes of these events can we reduce them. The challenge lies in having clear visibility and understanding of the events while seeking to improve the processes that facilitate burden reduction.
RELIABILITY-CENTERED TOOL An important tool for FM is reliability- centered maintenance (RCM) analysis. RCM is a process that identifies the opti- mal failure management strategy for a system. Using this and other analytical tools, FM pinpoints maintenance, reli- ability, and cost drivers and sets in motion a continuous improvement process.
All aircraft or systems maintenance programs are built upon condition monitoring—periodic inspections or functional tests to identify impending
failures. Digital Source Collectors and Heath Usage Monitoring Systems are being installed on all Army rotary-wing aircraft. Although an important new tool, condition-based maintenance (CBM)— which is based on evidence of the need for maintenance before failure occurs, using analysis of data collected automatically by sensors—will not totally replace this condition monitoring process, but rather will enhance it and automate the process where appropriate and effective.
For FM to be most effective, it must be part of a robust RCM process that period- ically reassesses failure modes and drivers and their impact on readiness, cost, or burden on our maintainers. FM and the RCM process will identify candidates for improvement and recommend the best, most cost-effective approach.
DEFINING THE DATA “On platform” data are all system, sensor, and performance data available through
existing integrated data busses or the use of “strap on” systems. This capability was resident in some aircraft before CBM came into use. The AH-64D Apache Longbow, for example, was equipped with the Maintenance Data Recorder in its design. The vibration data sensors, in the form of accelerometers, were added later using the Modernized Signal Pro- cessing Unit.
Modernized aircraft, such as the UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook, will have integrated bussed data incorporated into their system designs. Whether these systems were already present or were developed and strapped on later, they all provide “on platform” data gathering.
“At platform” data include the mainte- nance processes, activities, and recorded events that reside on the aircraft logbook computers. In the past, maintenance activities were recorded on forms and stored at the unit for airworthiness and
ASC.ARMY.MIL 71
LOGISTICS
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