Embry-Riddle Team Studies Helicopter HUMS

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in conjunction with Tomlinson Aviation, of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Systems & Electronics, of Chicago, completed the first of a series of helicopter research flights demonstrating Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) equipment. The flights, which studied HUMS equipment developed by Systems & Electronics, were completed in February in a Bell 206 Jet Ranger provided by Tomlinson Aviation. The team from Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach, Fla., campus equipped the jet-powered helicopter with a prototype HUMS for monitoring a suite of sensors collecting aircraft data in real-time. "Thanks to this technology, helicopter components in poor health can be retired early, and healthy components can receive a life-limit extension," said Pat Anderson, the Embry-Riddle professor directing the project. "Thus, HUMS will help helicopter operators increase safety while at the same time lowering operating expenses." The team will now demonstrate the same technology enhancements in a smaller reciprocating helicopter similar to those used in pilot training.