Leonardo Helicopters (Booth C3225) is partnering with Skytrac to implement a next-stage real-time health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for the AW139. This follows successful trials conducted over the past year with CHC, which will continue to lead system implementation and testing. The new system installs key data sets from Leonardo’s Heliwise HUMS analytic software on Skytrac’s ISAT-200A data acquisition unit and transceiver.

“Skytrac will be acquiring and monitoring all HUMS parameters in real-time, with the ISAT-200A,” said Skytrac vice president of sales Jan van der Heul, adding the company stores the full data set and makes it easily accessible post-flight. “We are applying Heliwise analysis in real-time in the air and sending notifications to the ground to proactively alert stakeholders as soon as a threshold exceedance is detected.”

When paired with real-time monitoring and a globally reliable satellite connection, operators are notified about any issues that arises during flight. A wireless file download sends the complete HUMS data directly into the Heliwise software as soon as the aircraft returns to its home base.

“In traditional HUMS systems, crucial information can remain hidden until maintenance staff physically retrieves a raw data file and submits it for analysis,” explained Giovanni Cecchelli, Leonardo’s vice president of customer support. “Our solution simplifies and speeds the HUMS analysis process so the operator can troubleshoot faster and prepare for aircraft arrival. The result is improved aircraft availability, reduced turnabout time, improved scheduling, and, ultimately, new tools for managing safer deployments.”