V-22 mechanical systems vibration monitoring field operations experience

Abstract

The V-22 Tiltrotor aircraft vibration monitoring system (VMS), a component of the on-board vibration, structural life, and engine diagnostics (VSLED) and aircraft maintenance event ground station (AMEGS), is one of the tools the maintainer uses during everyday operation. The VMS supports the V-22 maintenance objectives through the detection of existing or developing faults of predefined mechanical assemblies and components. This paper describes the latest system configuration and functionality with emphasis on mechanical systems monitored: rotors, engines, interconnect shafting system, and nacelle blower. The system fault detection is primarily automated. In addition, data review and analysis tools are available to the fleet support team (FST) engineers and senior quality assurance (QA) maintainers to allow review and confirmation of the diagnostic indications. Current enhancements and anticipated further improvements of the on-board system and the ground station are addressed. Plans and activities for diagnostic improvements under the collaborative automated maintenance environment for Osprey (CAMEO) are presented. A few examples of the system's performance in detection of degraded mechanical components are discussed, including some recent lessons learned. Copyright © 2007 by the American Helicopter Society International, Inc. All rights reserved.