F-111/TF30 engine monitoring system: a fusion of past, present, and future technology

The extension of present-day engine-monitoring technology to older aircraft and demonstration of future diagnostic technologies are discussed. A development program for F-111/TF30 engine monitoring is described. The system design utilizes standard parts and technology insertion upgrades such as MIL-STD-1750A computer designs for existing complex devices. A design agent approach was used to realize the logistics goal of providing an Air-Force-owned design which could be purchased from multiple sources. An internal research and development program to investigate neural-network applications to expert-system diagnostics is described. A competitive associative network was used to implement the troubleshooting diagnostics for TF30 engine start problems and to examine its application potential