Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division and Ultra PCS announced a collaborative agreement to develop FortressHUMS, a new compact and lightweight ED-112A compliant cockpit voice and flight data recorder with integral health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) capability designed for use on rotorcraft platforms.
FortressHUMS uniquely combines flight data recording and HUMS capabilities in an easy-to-install and affordable single-box solution weighing only a fraction of alternative systems. In a typical installation, the overall system weight (FortressHUMS unit + cables and sensors) is reduced from 70 pound to 13 pounds (32 kilograms to 6 kilograms) versus currently available alternatives.
FortressHUMS can be quickly and easily retrofitted onto a helicopter to provide a size, weight, and power (SWaP)-optimized single box solution for mandatory flight recording combined with a HUMS solution for maintenance, safety, fleet management, and supply chain interface.
Its innovative serial communications network of intelligent sensors, connected via a single cable routed throughout the aircraft, enables rapid integration, significantly reduces system complexity, and reduces the amount of time the aircraft needs to be grounded for installation.
FortressHUMS is ideal for use in helicopter applications where operators are seeking to extend aircraft operational life and implement predictive maintenance programs. It can be deployed as a permanent-installed combined HUMS and recorder system for new aircraft construction, or as an upgrade path for customers who implement an initial Fortress Recorder-only installation.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Ultra PCS to deliver the unprecedented size and weight reduction provided by the FortressHUMS recorder to the rotorcraft market,” said Brian Perry, senior vice president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Division.
“FortressHUMS significantly reduces the time and cost of aircraft installation and through-life operational costs thanks to its network-based approach and extremely low installed system weight.”
“Ultra PCS is delighted to be teamed with Curtiss-Wright to bring this next generation, game-changing technology to market,” said Ben Sutton, vice president, Data Processing, Ultra PCS.
“The FortressHUMS will provide the end-user with a significant fleet management capability that enables them to reduce operational costs by making better decisions about maintenance analysis, safety, training, and interface to the supply system. This system will provide the transformational ability to the customer from crew chief to design engineer.”
This press release was prepared and distributed by Curtiss-Wright.
