While we wait an Interesting article from MDPI (Swiss) on why US DOD and USAF favours the CVM sensors to start its CBM initiative.
some of the factors mentioned that caught their eye was over 1 mil flight hours (Delta) with no environmental or functional failures, FAA STD issued for sensors and Deltas initiative to start using them.
From article:
4. Discussion
This study proposes CVM sensors as a starting point for the USAF to implement CBM+ in the KC-46A maintenance program. Primary evidence supporting this recommendation includes the FAA’s approval of CVM sensors for SHM, successful commercial demonstrations of CVM at Delta TechOps, and CVM’s ROI for high-cost KC-46A structural inspections. Technical, procedural, regulatory, and financial considerations are evaluated to scale CVM in optimizing the KC-46A maintenance program.
The same approach is recommended to advance from preventative to predictive strategies on KC-46A powerplant and component maintenance actions. For example, RCM analysis should be conducted on engine diagnostic/prognostic data to adjust and improve engine preventative maintenance tasks. Robust predictions based on relevant data sets (e.g., maintenance data, aircraft sensor data, etc.) are recommended to be documented in PFMT and optimally scheduled during depot and field maintenance activities based on resource and operational constraints. These types of CBM+ initiatives should be prioritized based on the ROI relative to cost savings and readiness improvements to realize a future-state predictive maintenance environment for the KC-46A fleet.
