Author: Laura E. Baker

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13:

Automated engine monitoring has emerged as an important element in the Air Force's strategy to reduce propulsion system support costs and to improve aircraft operational availability. There has been a long history of development activity directed towards engine monitoring. These systems have demonstrated that sensor and automated data acquisition can be implemented effectively in both prototype and operational applications. Historically, however, no Air Force system has resulted in validated improvement in the engine maintenance and logistics process nor in a substantial cost savings. This situation is due in part to the fact that the performance data were not reduced to a concise, usable format relevant to the decision process of the maintenance personnel. Moreover, there was no procedure developed for integrating the performance data into the maintenance framework. This report presents the results of an intensive study of the Air Force maintenance/logistics process based on a selected sample of tactical bases, depots, and major commands. The objective is to define the requirements that the Air Force engine management structure imposes on automated data integration, in general, and engine performance monitoring, in particular. Such an automated integration of turbine engine monitoring system data with current data systems requries coordination between a variety of sources, both manual and automated. The results of this study are the requirements for such integration based on typical Air Force maintenance needs. (Author).