Increased Reliability of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) System – Phase II Test Program Set (TPS) Integration and Training
NCMS Project #: 140721
Problem: The health of electrical systems is vital to the reliable operation for both commercial and military aircraft, naval vessels, ground vehicles, trains, and alternative energy generators. FADEC systems are vital to engine control and performance. Failure of a FADEC system could result in a complete loss of engine control, a reduction in power or an inadvertent uncommanded-by-pilot action shutdown. Such failures have results I failed missions, loss of aircraft and worst case, the loss of air crew and passengers.
Benefit: Provides opportunities to perform in-situ testing on a wide array of installed complex electronic components in a broad array of weapon systems across all the military services. Increased readiness and reliability of the MH-6M and the MH-47G will be the direct benefit of this initiative. Successful demonstration of the AWTS technology on the FADEC systems will be applicable and transferrable to the entire C/MH-47 fleet, the entire MH-6M fleet, and the OH-58D fleet which uses the same FADEC as the MH-6M.
Solution/Approach: The Phase II initiative will operationalize the use of the Eclypse technology by the 160th SOAR(A) personnel. They will be trained in the design of test adapter cables, and for the basic programming and operations of test program sets enabling them to quickly respond to issues being faced in weapon systems electrical systems that are jeopardizing readiness and reliability. Additional hardware will enable more complete testing of the MH-6M with extension to the MH-47G and applicability to the OH-58D.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Increased operational and weapon systems readiness and reliability
- Reduced costs
- Speed test development for Abrams fleet
DoD Participation:
- U.S. Army – 160th SOAR(A)
- MELB PMO
- U.S. Army (Anniston) observer
Industry Participation:
- Eclypse International
- NCMS
Technology Focus Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Repair turnaround time
- Maintenance avoidance & reliability
- Safety
- Maintenance management improvement
- Improved readiness