Army news service (Aug. 20, 2004): new technology improves helicopter lifecycle.

WASHINGTON -- New technology being installed on helicopters provides preventive maintenance information that will increase the lifespan of its components. The 101st Airborne Division and the Utility Helicopter Project Office co-hosted a demonstration of the Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic Device Health Usage Monitoring System (IMD HUMS) at the Pentagon Heliport Aug. 19.

The primary goal of the IMD HUMS is to enhance maintenance by collecting and processing data about the critical mechanical systems and life-limited components on the aircraft. Aircraft parts will no longer need to be replaced based on their predicted lifespan; instead, parts will be replaced as needed. "This is the first system that recognizes regime profiles, which allows us to extend component lives," said Army Col. Cory Mahanna, project manager for utility helicopters. "The system monitors in real time what the aircraft does."

The information collected by the IMD HUMS is stored on a data card. That information can be downloaded onto the battalion's intranet so that the status of all aircraft can be monitored. In remote locations without intranet access it can be downloaded onto a stand-alone computer. The system also generates emails regarding flight maintenance.

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Maintenance officers, pilots, commanders, and safety and standards officers view data collected by the IMD HUMS. The information collected shows restrictions, inefficiencies, inspections, and service schedules of aircraft. Additionally, the system directs signals and data to the Cockpit Voice/Flight Data Recorder to meet flight safety objectives. Not only will the IMD HUMS create changes for aircraft maintenance, but the system could also affect operations. Col. Will Harrison, 159th Brigade commander, predicts that the turnaround time between combat missions will decrease.

The cost of IMD HUMS installation is $150,000 per aircraft. Congress has allocated $56 million through 2005 for the project. Funding was not derived from the termination of the Comanche re-modernization project.

IMD HUMS were first installed on 20 UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters between September 2003 and January 2004 in Mosul, Iraq. The program started before Sept. 11 but was delayed. When the 101st Airborne Division re-deployed from Iraq, IMD HUMS were installed on the last 10 helicopters.

"We realized we needed as quickly as possible the benefits from the IMD HUMS--great reduction in manpower costs while in theater and the opportunity to take real measurements in combat, not measurements based on projected data," said Harrison.