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U.S. Navy Awards Qualtech Systems, Inc. Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Contract for F/A-18 C/D Actuator Subsystem Prognostics

Wethersfield, CT. January 2003... Qualtech Systems, Inc. (QSI) has teamed with HR Textron (Santa Clarita, CA), for this research effort that seeks to develop methods to detect precursors to actuation system failure and determine the system’s remaining useful life. HR Textron will support QSI in the development of high-fidelity nonlinear dynamic models of the aileron servoactuator of F/A-18 C/D for normal and faulty conditions. In addition, HR Textron will provide the domain knowledge on failure modes, reliability and maintainability data and sensors. QSI will focus on systematic processes needed to relate “useful life remaining” predictions to detectable fault conditions in actuators, viz., assess prognostic coverage, identify prognostic needs, sensing, design of tests for diagnosis and prognosis, inference and prediction. In addition, QSI will develop a simulation environment, along with user interfaces and a list of inputs to the models, for demonstrating the feasibility of the diagnosis and prognosis system during Phase I of the SBIR program. Specifically, the primary objectives of Phase I research are as follows: 1) Modeling of Target System: For the F/A-18 C/D aileron servoactuator, the team will: (a) utilize accurate nonlinear dynamic models in MATLAB SimulinkTM under normal and various faulty conditions and, (b) perform model simulations under normal and faulty conditions. 2) Evaluate Sensors and Specify Tests: Using QSI’s commercial diagnostic modeling tool (TEAMS™), perform testability analysis on the system to evaluate sensor configurations suggested by HR Textron and/or recommend new sensor configurations for enhanced prognosis and diagnosis. Identify a set of tests, specify additional tests if necessary, to optimally cover and isolate faults in actuator. Design/Architect an onboard/off-board prognosis system with online tests and long-term trend-tests.

HR Textron, an operating unit of Textron Systems, is a leading manufacturer of motion control systems and components for commercial and military aircraft, helicopter, missile, spacecraft, and marine and ground vehicles.

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. Our 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. QSI customers include Sikorsky, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, NASA, US Air Force, and US Navy.