A testbed for data fusion for helicopter diagnostics and prognostics

Abstract : Automated systems to perform aircraft diagnostics and prognostics are of current interest. Development of those systems requires large amounts of data (collection, monitoring, manipulation) to capture and characterize normal, known fault events, and to ensure data is captured early on in a fault progression to support prognostic system development. Continuous data collection is also required to capture relatively rare events. Data collected can then be analyzed to assist in the development of automated systems and for continuous updating of algorithms to improve detection, classification, and prognostic performance. IAC, in collaboration with the Air Force and Army, is developing a testbed on which to perform data collection, and develop diagnostic and prognostic processing techniques using Army helicopter vibration and engine performance data as part of the Army's Vibration Management Enhancement Program (VMEP). VMEP and the testbed being developed for collection and processing of VMEP data are described here.