Pescauno

Structural Monitoring Systems (SMS) has signed a deal with United Technologies’ subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft to supply its comparative vacuum monitoring (CVM) technology to Sikorsky aircraft.

Under the non-disclosure agreement, the companies will work together to evaluate the technology for effective health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) on rotorcraft.

CVM technology uses ultra-sensitive sensors to monitor possible cracks on predefined areas of a rotorcraft.

On behalf of SMS and Sikorsky, Sandia Labs will carry out an independent laboratory test of a specific application of the technology.

"CVM technology uses ultra-sensitive sensors to monitor possible cracks on predefined areas of a rotorcraft."

Following tests, Sikorsky will begin in-flight testing of the platform across multiple aircraft.

In the coming weeks, the companies will finalise the specifics, magnitude and timing of the validation programme.

According to SMS, the existing methods related to structural health monitoring of rotorcraft are difficult to deploy in a real-world operational framework.

Validation of CVM in various civilian and military applications and commercial programmes is anticipated to place the technology at t he forefront of the market, while addressing issues associated with structural health monitoring methodologies.

Image: A Galician Coast Guard S-76C+ helicopter. Photo: courtesy of Pastordiaz / Wikipedia.