The Navy's structural life tracking program is now being expanded to include rotary wing aircraft. The AH-1W aircraft is the first model to be included in the program. A regime recognition structural monitor system was developed to monitor aircraft usage. The flight data from each aircraft is collected and post processed to determine fatigue damage expended for each aircraft component. The plan is to incorporate a monitoring system in each AH-1W aircraft. Presently 35 aircraft have systems installed. The data obtained thus far, indicates significant variation in usage and component fatigue damage rates from aircraft to aircraft. The initial results indicate structural monitoring and fatigue tracking of rotary wing aircraft is possible. There is significant potential for extended usage of components beyond present fleet limits without compromising safe operating margins. Components exposed to severe usage may also be removed from service early if their damage rate reach limits earlier than expected.
Development of a fatigue tracking program for navy rotary wing aicraft
Die Entwicklung eines Sammelfolge-Programms über die Werkstoffermüdung bei Drehflüglern im Marineeinsatz
Forum, Annual Forum, American Helicopter Society, 50 ; 2 ; 1359-1389
1994
31 Seiten, 18 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 2 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Development of a Fatigue Tracking Program for Navy Rotary Wing Aircraft
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994
|Online Contents | 1994