PHOENIX, 17 May 2006. Bell Helicopter has adopted the IAC-1047 Intelligent Machinery Diagnostic Server to support its fleet of Bell 412 helicopters equipped with IAC's Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS). The IAC-1047 is an advanced web-based software system that automatically collects diagnostic information from aircraft distributed throughout the world.
The IAC-1047 supports the operator with automatic web-based aircraft status displays and email-based fault notification.
"For the first time, Bell support personnel can analyze HUMS status and fault indications from a distributed fleet via the Internet," says IAC CEO Jeff Goodrich.
Bell Helicopter utilizes the IAC-1209 HUMS on its Bell 412 aircraft. The IAC-1209 on board diagnostics system and PC-GBS ground station software provide aircraft vibration-based fault diagnostic capability at the aircraft and in the hanger.
The Bell 412 IAC-1209 configuration monitors more than 1000 aircraft Condition Indicators (CIs). By adopting the IAC-1047 web system, Bell is able to get an unprecedented view of helicopters operating in their natural environment.
Automatic fleet trending and statistical data analysis tools allow each CI to be analyzed and compared against fleet averages. Limits can quickly be established or updated based for each aircraft component monitored based on fleet wide statistics.
IAC's aviation diagnostic technology was developed cooperatively with the U.S. Army as prime contractor for the Vibration Management Enhancement Program (VMEP). VMEP, one of the U.S. Army's digitally integrated, on-platform embedded health management capabilities programs.