The Role of Advanced Technologies of Vibration Diagnostics to Provide Efficiency of Helicopter Life Cycle

Abstract Vibration diagnostic techniques (VDT) application to helicopters is growing gradually both in production stage and in technical operation and maintenance. The development of appropriate technologies requires considerable investment and is often hampered by the lack of a clear perspective, understanding of the possibilities and areas of application. The article presents new opportunities for the use of VDT for helicopter diagnostics at different stages of its life cycle, providing increased efficiency of production and operation. In paper, the taxonomy of VDT applicable to most of critical machines, mechanisms and structures of a helicopter is presented and discussed. The paper illustrates effective diagnostic techniques applications on helicopter engines exceeded vibration limits in delivery trials. In the paper, the capabilities of advanced VDT are considered using samples of experimental operating systems application. Advanced VDT is possible platform for design of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS). In article the general approach for development of HUMS using the VDT and application of HUMS to provide condition-based maintenance for more efficiency of helicopter life cycle on criteria reliability/cost are discussed.