aircraft

EU-backed Flite Instrumentation Test Wireless Sensor (FLITE-WISE) project has devised a new wireless sensor system to support continuous monitoring of aircraft.

Part of the Joint Technology Initiatives under Clean Sky, the system is said to eliminate use of wired sensors for monitoring aircraft engines, structures and gear boxes, among others.

The smart sensors with radio interfaces are said to offer reduced sensor wiring costs, lower weight and the flexibility to be installed on aircraft.

The platform includes an autonomous wireless sensor node to which acoustic and pressure sensors can be connected. This can be operated airborne for continuous flight test measurements.

"The smart sensors with radio interfaces are said to offer reduced sensor wiring costs, lower weight and the flexibility to be installed on aircraft."

Flite-Wise project spokesperson Jean-Dominique Decotignie said the sensors can be installed on any part of the aircraft, and can sense different types of phenomena thereby enhancing testing and aircraft maintenance.

Decotignie managed the project on behalf of Switzerland-based Centre Suisse D’electronique Et De Microtechnique (CSEM).

The wireless sensor system has two use cases, a fully-integrated wireless sensor node for acoustic measurements along the fuselage of an aircraft, and a rotating use case for testing new generation contra-rotating open rotor engines.

The node, which is less than 3mm thick, features an acoustic sensor, communication capability, storage and energy for a 12-hour operation, and is powered by ultra-thin batteries.

Flight tests using the technology are planned to be conducted this year, and prototypes will then be industrialised for commercial production with plans to make it available to the market within three years, Decotignie said.

Image: The new wireless sensor system allows continuous monitoring of aircraft components. Photo: courtesy of Suzanne T.