US Air Force Awards SBIR Phase II Contract to Qualtech Systems for Developing Aircraft Data-Bus Prognostics Solution

Wethersfield, CT. July 2003... Qualtech Systems, Inc. (QSI) has been awarded a two-year Phase II contract by the US Air Force Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, under the DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Under this research and development project, QSI will carry forward the Phase I feasibility research in support of the DoD SBIR 2002 Solicitation Topic, Active Bus Monitoring and Failure Forecasting, to develop a prototype system consisting of equipment for active bus monitoring and testing, and software for diagnostic/prognostic analysis and data management.

The sophisticated avionics, weapons delivery and cockpit display systems in modern fighter aircraft rely extensively on digital bus networks for onboard communications and control. The complexity of these bus networks often makes it difficult to resolve reported discrepancies or problems between the physical bus network and the individual components. A monitoring and data analysis system that enhances the observability of the bus networks’ operational performance can significantly aid timely detection of problems, failure forecasting and maintenance planning. QSI expects that transitioning of the technology resulting from this R&D project to the US Air Force’s aircraft maintenance environment will help reduce operational and support costs and improve aircraft availability. This technology will also complement ongoing commercial programs for aircraft wiring integrity and health management that are addressing the recognized criticality of onboard wiring health to the safety of aging aircraft.

Qualtech (QSI) is a recognized leader in software products and engineering services for advanced diagnostics and systems health management. QSI products enable OEMs & Maintenance organizations to reduce the cost of design, development, and life cycle support of complex systems. The technology has demonstrated troubleshooting time reductions of over 75% while increasing system availability by more than 30%. Recognized by NASA and Aviation Week for technology innovation, QSI’s software enables equipment manufacturers and support organizations to generate new “aftermarket” service revenues and distinguish themselves with state-of-the-art “telemaintenance” capability.


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