Automated Tracking and Forms Management of Serialized Parts

Abstract:
Ongoing aircraft status, maintenance actions, and operational history are mostly entered manually using a variety of data forms. This manual process inherently introduces errors, inaccurate data, and outdated configuration into aircraft maintenance records. These data errors can either endanger aircraft by delaying required maintenance actions or trigger unnecessary maintenance activities resulting in increased down time of aircraft that are fully mission capable. The US Army has identified a fundamental need for autonomous parts tracking and management as an underlying capability to alleviate maintenance burdens and the associated increased cost. Further, autonomously tracking remaining useful life (RUL) based on actual mission profiles can safely extend component Time-on-Wing (TOW), significantly reducing maintenance costs. Using mature components, it was demonstrated how manual data input for parts tracking, maintenance records management, and report generation can be automated, greatly increasing the health state awareness of each aircraft. The development of this technology is mission-critical and allows the Army to realize unprecedented levels of readiness, cost effectiveness, and safety.

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