V-22 tiltrotor aircraft vibration monitoring from design to field operations

This paper addresses the development and current status of the drive train vibration monitoring system (VMS) for V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, which monitors vibrations in the rotors, engines, interconnect shafting system (ISS), pylon shafts, and nacelle blowers, and includes the ISS hanger bearing temperature monitoring and the distinct function of rotor track and balance. The VMS design is based on the V-22 maintenance goals: to detect existing and/or developing faults to support the on-condition maintenance of mechanical components and to enhance preventive maintenance. This paper also covers the dynamic component monitoring (DCM) algorithms that have been incorporated in the Aircraft Maintenance Event Ground Station (AMEGS). Lessons learned and recent developments associated with the interface of the Integrated Electronic Technical Manual (IETM), including the approach for quick implementation of new maintenance procedures, are presented. The Bell-Boeing/NAVAIR Integrated Product Team provided a smooth transition from engineering design to field implementation.