Overview of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS):
– HUMS ensure availability, reliability, and safety of vehicles
– Activities related to HUMS include CBM and ODR
– Term HUMS originated in the offshore oil industry in 1986
– HUMS technology and regulation are continuously evolving
– HUMS used for maintenance, cost reduction, operational improvements, and performance enhancement
Benefits of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS):
– Reduced mission aborts and instances of aircraft on ground
– Simplified logistics for fleet deployment
– Maintain-as-you-fly approach reduces maintenance flights
– Repairing minor damage increases aircraft mean time before failure
– Improved flight safety, mission reliability, and effectiveness
Recent Technological Advances in HUMS:
– Predictive algorithms provide Remaining Useful Life estimates
– Automated wireless data transfer via WiFi or Cellular
– Enhances maintenance efficiency and accuracy
– Improves aircraft performance and fuel consumption
– Facilitates proactive component maintenance
References for Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS):
– SKYbrary and Defence Science and Technology Organisation as sources
– EASA HUMS Research Developments
– EASA & FAA HUMS / VHM Developments
– Proceedings of the International Committee on Aeronautical Fatigue
– Helicopter Association International’s insights on HUMS
External Links for Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS):
– United Electronic Industries
– BAE Systems
– GE Aviation
– GPMS Foresight
– Additional resources to expand knowledge on HUMS
Health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) is a generic term given to activities that utilize data collection and analysis techniques to help ensure availability, reliability and safety of vehicles. Activities similar to, or sometimes used interchangeably with, HUMS include condition-based maintenance (CBM) and operational data recording (ODR). This term HUMS is often used in reference to airborne craft and in particular rotor-craft – the term is cited as being introduced by the offshore oil industry after a commercial Chinook crashed in the North Sea, killing all but one passenger and one crew member in 1986.
HUMS technology and regulation continues to be developed.
HUMS are now used not only for safety but for a number of other reasons including
- Maintenance: reduced mission aborts, fewer instances of aircraft on ground (AOG), simplified logistics for fleet deployment
- Cost: “maintain as you fly” maintenance flights are not required. Performing repairs when the damage is minor increases the aircraft mean time before failure (MTBF) and decreases the mean time to repair (MTTR)
- Operational: improved flight safety, mission reliability and effectiveness
- Performance: improved aircraft performance and reduced fuel consumption
Recent advances in the technology include predictive algorithms providing Remaining Useful Life estimates of components and automated wireless data transfer from the aircraft via WiFi or Cellular.
