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MV-22 Resumes Flying . . . . . . . . . . 2 Huey II Upgrade . . . . . . . . . .67 10
Shop Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Khalifa Airways Takes Delivery . . . . 3 What is Lead Time? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 New Part Return Program . . . . . . . . 11
T
The MV-22 Osprey took to the Tom Macdonald and Bill Leonard, enhancements to the Ospreys
skies above Naval Air Systems senior Bell Boeing V-22 Integrated design, which was made possible
Command, Patuxent River, MD., Test Team pilots, who have a com- by the concerted efforts of many
May 29, for the first time after bined total of 13,000-flight hours people throughout the NAVAIR,
being grounded for more than in both fixed and rotary wing air- Bell Boeing, Rolls Royce and sup-
17 months following an opera- craft and more than 500 hours porting contractor teams, asserted
tional pause. each in the MV-22, took the air- Macdonald.
The first MV-22 test aircraft to craft through a series of maneu- Leonard shares the excitement
resume flying has improve- vers to evaluate its handling and of being back in the air and
ments in its hydraulic and flight performance. Part of this series moving forward with flight test-
control software systems that included converting out from heli- ing. Im dedicated to the concept
make it practically a brand new copter to airplane mode to take and believe tiltrotor technology
aircraft and the most capable standard vibration measurements will be as important to aviation as
Osprey yet, according to V-22 to check out the tracking and bal- the advent of the jet engine, he
program officials. ance of the individual blades of the explained. This aircraft has poten-
The long awaited return to two proprotors. This test card for tial that we in the aviation commu-
flight was a success. The Osprey the first flight series follows the nity have yet to understand let
not only performed what todays Ospreys methodical and event alone exploit. Ive been actively
test plan called for, but exceeded driven approach to safely return engaged in military and civilian
our wildest expectations, said the aircraft to flight testing. aviation for over 35 years, flown
Col. Dan Schultz, V-22 program Along with everyone else on well over 100 different aircraft and
manager. the V-22 test team, we are excited truly believe that this technology,
The original flight plan about being back in the flight test if exploited properly, will impact
called for the aircraft to take off, business. We are proud of the both civil and military aviation to
hover and land. After successfully extensive safety and reliability an incredible degree.
completing several vertical
takeoffs, landings and hover-
ing maneuvers over the run-
way, the pilots conducted
rearward and sideward flights
to check the aircrafts maneu-
verability in helicopter mode.
The pilots gradually increased
maneuver speeds up and
down the runway, went into
landing pattern circuits and
began conversion work. Later
in the afternoon, the Ospreys
encore performance included
a full conversion to airplane
mode at level flight speeds of
250 knots. The Osprey logged
nearly two-and-one-half hours
of flight time and returned in
full-up flight status.
W
and Balance (RT&B) arises in a conversation with a
customer, the questions can often be predicted with a
high-degree of certainty. Why does Bell insist on
using RADS equipment? Will Bell ever approve equip-
ment other than RADS? Must I use the RADS when
performing RT&B? In this article, we hope to address
each of these issues, describe the equipment, its fea-
tures and benefits and to validate the Bell position on
this excellent tool.
It probably will come as no surprise that Bell
The difference between T1 and T2 displays the height of
Helicopter approaches rotor smoothing and vibration
the blade over the E-UTD, and by comparison with other
analysis with largely the same goal as the technician blades, shows relative track spread. Simply stated, the
in the field. When faced with these tasks, Bell seeks higher blade in track will take longer to pass through the
to understand the condition under study, make cone of view, interpreted by the RADS-AT as track height.
adjustments to correct the undesired characteristics As the blade departs the viewing cone, the T2-T3 check
and return the aircraft to service with the least verifies chord width and other installation parameters. This
expense in manpower, engine starts and flight time. feature confirms that RADS installation and blade surface
One difference in approach is that Bell chooses exclu- contrast are ready for RT&B procedures. Finally, the T3-T4
sively the RADS-AT equipment by Smiths Aerospace. comparison above represents lead-lag characteristics
So, why does Bell prefer the RADS-AT? Lets expand on the between blades accurate to within .2mm, a feature that can
Bell position by first better understanding the equipment. be instrumental in early identification of elastomeric
The photo at left anomalies that may be contributing to the ride condition
shows the most under study.
significant items A complete explanation of RADS-AT features and
of the RADS-AT benefits would consume much more than the space
available in this article, but a brief description of the
kit. At the left
more significant is appropriate. The E-UTD is not
is the Enhanced
affected by most ambient light conditions, is capable
Universal Tracking
of both night and daytime use, does not use a strobe
Device (E-UTD
light and does not rely upon human interpretation for
also known as
track display. The DAU has channels adequate to
UTD), at the up- accommodate up to 14 accelerometer inputs, two
per right is the Control and Display Unit (CADU) and tachometer channels and two tracker channels. The
third item is the Data Acquisition Unit (DAU). In ability to acquire data simultaneously on four chan-
addition to these principal items are the accelerome- nels significantly reduces flight test time and each
ters, cables and brackets typical or any vibration flight automatically records data ranging from 1:1 up
analysis equipment. to 12:1 for each accelerometer channel. Similarly,
Industry-leading technology of the RADS is de- frequencies can be viewed from 2 Hz to 20 KHz, and
signed into the E-UTD, which achieves an accurate with two Meg of on-board memory, even ex-
track picture (+/- 2mm) that does not rely on human tensive flight test profiles can be accommodated with
interpretation of the track data. The E-UTD lens confidence.
views the passing rotor through an 11-degree cone Very helpful added soft features include the
as shown in the graphic depiction below. The princi- Credit Card Memory (CCM), edit and prediction
ple of operation may be described briefly as follows. functions, e-mail of downloaded data to other desti-
nations, and the program open architecture. The
Continued on page 8
Modification Process
As the customer takes delivery of
the aircraft they are reassured of
the workmanship and reliability
of the Huey II installation and
components.
mechanical faults. The polar chart is an excellent method Though this article merely touches upon an exten-
of understanding damper performance versus rotor speed, sive list of attributes, does Bell insist that only
and in some cases, eliminating the rotor blade adjustment RADS-AT is used for RT&B of Bell products? Au con-
as a contributor to a change in ride quality. traire mon frere, owners are welcome to use rotor
When troubleshooting an unusual vibration or smoothing and analysis equipment of their choice,
trending an aircraft to record vibration characteris- however, certain conditions may apply. If, for exam-
tics, the flexibility of the RADS-AT stands out in the ple the conclusion of alternate equipment is to replace
region of spectrum measurement. parts, Bell may insist upon a validation by use of the
Various accelerometers may each be orientated in RADS-AT before any warranty compensation is
the desired plane for survey, and one vibration chan- considered.
nel at a time may be selected with no requirement for In the case where an operator has not yet felt justi-
a magnetic or optical tachometer to be installed. fied in the investment of RADS equipment, may I
Frequency ranges may be selected from 2-20KHz, reg- strongly recommend the following cost comparison?
istering data from 120 RPM to 1,200,000 RPM. (Note Since RADS is unequalled in matching rotor system
that HzX60=RPM) For ease of study, data may be components for the best possible ride, and reducing
viewed with a resolution as low as 400 display points flights by suggesting multiple adjustments, an
or with the simple touch of a button, zoomed as high accurate cost comparison will most likely encourage
as 6400 display points to separate closely adjacent the purchase of RADS-AT equipment. It is not uncom-
frequencies. Amplitude may be displayed in IPS, mon for an experienced tuning technician to affect 10
Gs or MILS, and frequencies in Hz or RPM (below). or more adjustments per flight as recommended by
the RADS-AT, thereby significantly reducing the cost
associated with RT&B. By recording crew-labor hours
invested, flight time, engine starts and down time for
RT&B and vibration analysis tasks, an accurate cost
picture can be established for comparison with
similar tasks performed with the assistance of the
RADS-AT.
The attributes and user benefits of the RADS-AT by
Smiths Aerospace truly single-out this equipment as
the most versatile, reliable and competitively priced
tool for RT&B and vibration analysis readily available
Through robust design, flexibility to suit multiple to the rotorcraft industry today. The famous auto
roles in flight test for all manner of helicopters and magnate Henry Ford reportedly said If you need a
tilt rotors, field operations and engineering develop- certain piece of equipment for your operation, you
ment programs, the RADS-AT by Smiths Aerospace is will pay for it even if you dont have it! (sic) The
the only equipment known to reliably meet or exceed same principle is applicable to the cost saving avail-
expectations of the discriminating user. This is not able to you by using RADS-AT by Smiths Aerospace
only the opinion and experience of Bell Helicopter, for for your RT&B needs.
the RADS-AT is becoming the defacto flight test So after all this discussion, why does Bell prefer to
vibration analysis equipment preferred by rotorcraft use and recommend the RADS-AT for vibration
manufacturers and fleet users worldwide. Bell analysis and rotor smoothing? To quote a line from
Helicopter has in fact, evaluated other similar Richard Geres role in the movie Pretty Woman
diagnostic equipment and none surpasses or even because its the best!
remotely challenges the achievements and potential Note: For more information, and to expand on this
of the RADS-AT by Smiths Aerospace. discussion contact www.rads-at.com
O
One of the more frequently misun- shelf at the time your order is items, being no different from items
derstood terms in the Materiel World received. This is in spite of Bells we actively stock, also have lead-
is lead-time. Properly defined, lead- average replenishment lead-time times.
time includes the elapsed time from being more than 12 months. There Lead-time, as described, is stated
the first action taken until the part are many reasons why your part in routine terms. That is, it pre-
is properly located with the end may not be on the shelf when you sumes that all activities will flow
user, either in a stockroom or in his want it. These reasons can range through normal channels without
hands. All elements of the procure- from under-forecasting to a vendor human intervention. The lead-time
ment cycle must be included, begin- having a fire or flood! The more on a Special Order part can be
ning with the recognition of a need. complex the part, the longer the reduced by many things; expediting
Similarly, it does not end until the supply chain and the more opportu- the process (human intervention),
item is properly accounted for in the nity there is for a shortage. Think in the availability of excess material in
system that receives it. terms of a main rotor blade that other Bell facilities, the availability
Lets discuss lead-time as it may contain over a 100 parts and of raw material, etc. The list goes on
relates to Bell Helicopter. Being in therefore a 100 opportunities for and on. Remember, that normal
the materiel world, it is an issue we something to go wrong! lead-time presumes you start
face daily and its importance cannot There is one final area to discuss: from zero at the systems pace.
be overstated. Our stock replenish- Special Order parts. Bell does not Theoretically, it can be reduced to
ment activity hinges on the accura- normally stock these parts. Our days or weeks rather than months
cy of our lead-times. Every item in decision to stock or not stock a part depending on availability of materi-
our COOP order system has a usage is based on our projection of the al and the priority of the order. Can
projection and a lead-time. The future demand substantiated by we do this every time? Obviously
combination of these two figures historical usage. If we have a regu- no, but it will not be from lack of
represent a calculation that gener- lar pattern of orders over a given effort. We take very seriously
ates for us a reorder point. It should period, we will stock the part on a urgent requirements for items not
be the same in your system. As a routine basis; otherwise, it becomes available whether they are normally
review: if you use four parts per Special Order. We build or procure stocked or Special Order.
week and it takes 12 weeks lead- Special Order parts upon receipt of In summary, you may hear man-
time to receive a replenishment of your order. The vast majority of ufacturing/procurement lead-time
parts then you would have to order these parts are structural parts, but quoted from time to time, but it
(reorder) when you have only 48 they can be most anything, often should be regarded as the starting
items in your system. (Usage X non-standard to the basic configu- point rather than the final answer.
Lead-Time = Reorder Point). ration of the aircraft. It is not It would be most helpful if we know
Generally speaking, your parts if uncommon for these parts to sell no your real need date when order-
Bell, actively stocks them, (some more than once in five or more ing a special order part. This would
57,000 part numbers) are shipped years. do much to assist us in timing the
between 24 to 72 hours. In addition, It is likely this is the area where various actions and priorities.
approximately 90 percent of the time, most confusion arises as it relates to
Bell Helicopter delivers the part you When am I going to get the part?
ordered from our shelf stock. In answering the question about
It is our intent to have every availability, the issue of the parts,
actively stocked part sitting on the lead-time usually surfaces. These
B
Bell Helicopter is pleased to announce the creation
of a dedicated repair and overhaul facility to greatly
improve turn times and bring
competitive prices to customers.
Lower prices and faster turn-
arounds plus the benefits of
Components to be overhauled in the start-up phase
include:
Main Rotor Hub Swashplate Assembly
Mast Assembly Transmission
Drive Shaft Tail Rotor Hub
Intermediate and 90 Gearboxes
OEM quality combine to make We offer overhauls and inspections on com-
Bell a company to consider with ponents for the Bell 206 Series, 407, 427, 222
your next overhaul requirement. Series, 230, 430, 204, 205, 212, 214B,
Bell has always been in the 214ST, 412 Series, and also UH-1 helicopters.
repair and overhaul business in For more information on pricing and
support of the Bell fleet. Though not always consid- delivery, contact us at: sales@bellhelicopter-tn.com
ered the customers first choice, Bell traditionally or 817-280-7272.
offered OEM quality and a world-class warranty to
back the work performed. Recent expansions and Service from the company that . . .
investments at our FAA approved Tennessee facility Designed it Built it
now allow us to combine our OEM quality with lower Tested it Certified it
costs and faster turnaround times for component
WITH A 2-YEAR 1500 HOUR WARRANTY
overhaul customers.
Our goal with Bell Tennessee is to provide the most
comprehensive repair program in the world. Bell
Helicopter the company that designed, built, tested
and certified these components now provides this
responsive and economical service. In addition we back
our work with a Two-Year 1500 Hour Warranty!
Services offered by Bell Tennessee initially focus on
drive train components for the Bell turbine engine fleet.
SHOPTALK
QQ: In the Bell 412 MAINTENANCE MANUAL (BHT-
412-MM-2) chapter 5-00-00 Starter Generator
inspection there is a reference to BHT-412-
CR&O VENDOR DATA (No. 23700) where can I
get it?
A:
Q:
There are 2 oversize bushings available 412-
010-428-103 and 412-010-428-105 they are
0.010 and 0.020 oversize respectively.
Bell Helicopter Textron (BHT) has recently initi- The assigned RMA number should then be refer-
ated a process improvement activity in the enced on the customers shipping documents. It
Customer Property Return module. One outcome will be used by BHT to uniquely identify and track
of this activity is the institution of a Return the returned item(s) throughout the return process.
Material Authorization (RMA) policy. Prior to By referencing the RMA number when contacting
returning goods to BHT, it is required that BHT be BHT, customers can obtain status of the returned
contacted for an RMA number assignment. The unit(s).
RMA number may be obtained from your Fort Please note units returned to BHT without a RMA
Worth Spares Administrator. number will be subject to processing delays and/or
return shipment.