CBM+ Improving DoD Readiness
According to the DoD Condition-Based Maintenance Plus Guidebook, CBM+ is defined as maintenance performed based on evidence of need, integrating reliability centered maintenance (RCM) analysis with those enabling processes, technologies, and capabilities that enhance the readiness and maintenance effectiveness of DoD systems and components. CBM+ uses a systems engineering approach to collect data, enable analysis, and support the decision-making processes for system acquisition, modernization, sustainment, and operations.
CBM+ includes a conscious effort to shift equipment maintenance from an unscheduled, reactive approach at the time of failure to a more proactive and predictive approach that is driven by condition sensing and integrated, analysis-based decisions. CBM+ focuses on inserting technologies that improve maintenance capabilities and processes into both new and legacy weapon systems and integrating the support elements to enable enhanced maintenance-centric logistics system responses. With more accurate predictions of impending failures (based on real-time condition data), coupled with more timely and effective repairs, moving toward CBM+ will result in dramatic savings—in time and money—and improved weapon system availability and performance. CBM+ uses modern maintenance tools, technologies, and processes to detect the early indications of a fault or impending failure to allow time for maintenance and supply channels to react and minimize the impact on system operational readiness and lifecycle costs.
The ultimate goal of CBM+ is to increase combat power, expressed in terms of operational and materiel availability and readiness, throughout the weapon system’s lifecycle.
The NCMS CTMA Program is empowering Navy maintainers to improve their current CBM+ processes with expertise and tools from leading commercial participants.
Asset Performance Management (APM) SmartSignal Pilot
This project is applying the GE SmartSignal software tool to determine the current condition of assets based on health monitoring data, and inform operators of required proactive maintenance so that the right action can be taken at the right time. The project will adapt and tailor the commercial off-the-shelf product to the specific needs of Naval Aviation Command (NAVAIR) specifically on the F414-400 aircraft engines in use on F/A-18 E, F, and G models. The results are expected to be easily transferrable to other military services and commercial industry, positively impacting the cost and delivery quality of air transportation services sold to the general public.
CBM+ Data Integration with RCM
This project develops a solution that integrates two major sustainment business functions applicable to military aircraft and commercial air transportation assets: CBM+ data to proactively address equipment performance degradation and optimize at-aircraft maintenance or sustainment business operations to reduce asset downtime and improve asset readiness; and RCM to optimize preventive maintenance (PM) tasks and PM schedule intervals that eliminate unnecessary tasks and adjust schedule intervals to reduce asset downtime and improve asset readiness.
DoD studies have found that the benefits of linking RCM to CBM+ are not well understood by most programs. This is causing delays in unlocking the potential of the investments being made in aircraft with SMART technology that provide large amounts of data (e.g., BIT, flight parameters, temperature, vibration, fatigue, etc.). Currently, data is used to perform maintenance based on evidence of need with some degree of success, but it is not used to proactively maintain aircraft systems before they fail or modify existing inspection intervals, derived from RCM analysis.