A rigid RFID tag (dark rectangle) can track common assets such as pallets.
Adobe Stock
Radio frequency identification (RFID) aerospace applications have attracted interest since the introduction of inexpensive passive tags. The driving factors are reducing inventory time and improving accuracy. Implementation differs, but the technology accurately and rapidly gathers identification data from individual items to determine their state. Tags can uniquely identify articles as they move along a chain of custody, cataloging a time stamp for each read event.
Tool tracking
A compelling application for RFID is tool tracking. Aircraft maintenance providers must automatically identify the appropriate tools to take to each job and account for all tools following task completion. Rugged, mount-on-metal tags can be permanently epoxied in place. Used with a smart toolbox or tool-crib, tags can be added to or subtracted from inventory almost instantaneously. Applying real-time tool inventories aids in compliance and reduces the paperwork burden associated with mandated routine maintenance.
Check-in/check-out data for specific tools can also spot deficiencies in the operation. For example, if a high-value tool is used repeatedly in one type of operation and rarely in another, that item could be pre-positioned closer to where it’s needed. Similarly, pre-packaged job kits can be assembled and verified, reducing the churn of returning to a tool area to pick up a forgotten item.
Flyable assets
There are largely diverse types of assets in and on an airframe: life vests, oxygen generators, seat belt airbags, avionics, electro-mechanical system components, communication equipment, and food/beverage carts. That diversity requires a range of tags from large labels (4.0" x 2.0") to small mount-on-metal tags (0.6" x 0.4").
Tagging can greatly speed documentation of routine maintenance tasks. For example, oxygen generators can be inventoried without having to open the overhead panels, saving significant time and labor.
Flyable assets represent a special challenge for RFID tagging because of the rigor of the certification. Flyable tags are regulated subject to SAE AS5678 2006-12, RTCA DO-160, and ATA Spec 2000 Ch 9 Rev 2916.1. Depending on the tag’s application, it may need to be immune to various materials and conditions such as decompression, overpressure, humidity cycling, shock and vibration, electrostatic discharge, flammability, fluid (hydraulic and deicing) immersion, solvent exposure, and temperature rating. In addition, there’s the typical read range and data retention capacity of the tag itself to consider.
Rigid tags are for applications where high performance is required and the physical footprint is compact. They perform well under extreme conditions and are available in dual-record and multi-record memory configurations. Handheld encoding is supported with ATA Tag Commander software.
Photo credit: Vizinex RFID
Flyable tags must have an expanded memory capacity compared to standard passive RFID tags, such as those used for baggage. Aerospace tags need 2kb to 64kb, significantly more than standard RFID labels. Extended memory allows users to access maintenance or inspection data locally, without a data link to a centralized database.
Adoption of RFID technology in aerospace applications has been gradual as the technology isn’t plug-and-play. Successful implementation requires careful planning and understanding of the use case, however, deployed systems have demonstrated considerable return on investment (ROI) for users stemming from improved speed and accurate data acquisition.
About the author: Robert Oberle, Ph.D. is co-founder and chief technology officer of Vizinex RFID. Oberle can be reached at roberle@vizinexrfid.com or 215.529.9440.
The author thanks Wesley Columbia, Brady Corp., for the helpful discussion regarding this article.
Cloud-based extended reality platform provider Grid Raster Inc.’s recent survey reveals how manufacturers are leveraging visual experience technology to address COVID-19 social distancing, staffing shortfalls, and the need for production efficiency.
Aerospace Manufacturing and Design welcomes all aircraft enthusiasts to join the fun and NAME THAT PLANE! Each issue, a new aircraft will be featured. Given a photo and a clue box, readers are encouraged to guess what plane is being described and submit their answers to www.AerospaceManufacturingAndDesign.com/Form/NameThatPlane.
Don Schmidt CMM Programmer/Inspector WGI Inc. Southwick, Massachusetts
How long have you been in the aerospace business? 26 years
How did you become interested in aircraft? I played around a bit with model rocketry and joined an Airplane Model Builders Club in the 5th grade.
What is your favorite aircraft and why? The Gee Bee Model R Sportsters because they are the pride of the city in which I was born, Springfield, Massachusetts.
Runners-up
Andrew J. Zawisza Materials & QA Manager DIT-MCO Int’l Kansas City, Missouri
Michael Nicoletti Quality Engineer Spectralux Avionics Redmond, Washington
Airbus Helicopters’ prototype VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) performed its first free flight at a drone test center in southern France, lasting 10 minutes.
This significant step follows the first flight in November 2019 when the prototype was tethered to comply with regulatory requirements. For the free flight, Airbus Helicopters implemented a virtual perimeter with geofencing, enabling flight clearance from airworthiness authorities.
“The free flight achieved by the VSR700 is a major step leading up to the sea trials that will be performed at the end of 2021 as part of the de-risking studies for the French Navy’s future drone,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even says.
Derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, the VSR700 is in the 500kg-to-1,000kg maximum take-off weight range. It can carry multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods and can operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.
Boeing Australia powers up Loyal Wingman
In September, Boeing Australia powered up the commercial turbofan engine on the first unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft as part of ground testing and preparations for first flight.
This milestone comes on the heels of Boeing completing the first aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force earlier this year, the foundation for the artificial intelligence-powered teaming aircraft being developed for the global defense market.
“We’ve been able to select a very light, off-the-shelf jet engine for the unmanned system as a result of the advanced manufacturing technologies applied to the aircraft,” says Dr. Shane Arnott, Boeing Airpower Teaming System program director.
LiquidPiston receives US Army SBIR grant
Developer of advanced rotary internal combustion engines LiquidPiston received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Army to develop its X-Engine as a hybrid-electric propulsion platform for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The company was also named one of 12 winners in the U.S. Army xTechSearch 3.0 – a prize competition to accelerate innovative technology to help solve key Army challenges – for its X-Engine configured as a high-efficiency auxiliary power unit (APU).
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Spirit AeroSystems, Belcan partner
Departments - Checking In
NAM recognizes Boeing sustainability leadership; Jorgensen boosts sales, management teams; Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group Inc. appointments; FAA certifies GE9X engine; Index Corp. names new president, CEO.
Belcan LLC will be an onsite strategic partner in Spirit AeroSystems’ Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland, when the facility opens.
Belcan, a global supplier of engineering, supply chain, technical recruiting, and information technology services, will provide engineering, program management, and manufacturing resources supporting wing engineering activities.
Dr. Sean Black, Spirit vice president and chief engineer of programs and Keith Matthews, president of Belcan’s international operations, formalized the agreement with leaders from both companies in February, pre-social distancing requirements.
The 85,000ft2 AIC provides a collaborative environment for Spirit and its key partners to work with pre-production equipment in advanced aerostructures design and manufacture.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) presented Boeing a 2020 Sustainability Leadership Award for the company’s aerospace carbon fiber recycling efforts, diverting waste from landfills worldwide.
Since 2018, Boeing has partnered with UK-based ELG Carbon Fibre to recycle excesses of the lightweight material. Boeing collects the scrap material, and ELG heat treats it to remove binding agents, producing clean material to sell to third parties making products such as electronic accessories and automotive equipment.
“Boeing is demonstrating that you can be environmentally sustainable in a cost-effective way,” says Bryan Scott, vice president of Environment, Health, & Safety at Boeing.
The carbon fiber recycling process has been implemented at 11 Boeing global airplane manufacturing sites. Boeing will train companies on the recycling process, beginning with its supply chain.
“Creating commercially viable solutions for recycling carbon fiber composites is good for the industry and good for the environment,” says Tia Benson Tolle, director of Advanced Materials and Product Development at Boeing.
Karl Kleppek hired as director of sales and marketing
Dustin Krueger promoted to manager of engineering
A third-generation owner and grandson of the company’s founders, D’Amico has served Jorgensen for 26 years during a period of significant growth as manufacturing manager, vice president of manufacturing, and director of operations. He assumes his new role upon retirement of former co-principle John D’Amico, who managed North American sales, marketing, engineering, and product development and was a member of the core executive team that helped the organization more than double in size during his tenure. John remains an owner and board member.
With extensive executive-level sales, business-development, and marketing experience, Kleppek brings more than 30 years of professional experience to Jorgensen, with work in the manufacturing realm including GF Machining Solutions, Fanuc America, and Siemens Energy and Automation.
With nearly 15 years of service, Krueger has spent his entire professional career with Jorgensen, most recently as engineering lead person and product development engineer.
Larry Megan, Ph.D.Joe Veranese
Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group Inc. appointments
“Megan possesses a proven track record of developing and implementing successful digital manufacturing strategies,” says AMI CEO Stephan Biller, Ph.D. “He is incredibly skilled at developing and scaling digital solutions across all segments of manufacturing, including operations, supply chain, logistics, business and sales processes, and B2B customer engagement.”
Megan brings more than two decades of smart manufacturing knowledge. Prior to joining AMI, he held senior positions at Linde (formerly Praxair). At the University of Buffalo (New York), he serves on the Industrial Engineering Department Advisory Council and is an industrial lead for the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership.
MTDG is the not-for-profit holding company of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and new subsidiary AMI.
Veranse named VP, CIO
MTDG appointed Joe Veranese, formerly NCDMM’s CIO, to vice president and CIO.
During his tenure at NCDMM, Veranese was instrumental in fostering the strategic relationship between NCDMM, Siemens, and Deloitte. Forging this affiliation led to the creation of the America Makes Digital Storefront, built in the AWS Cloud using Siemens PLM tools.
Veranese previously served NCDMM as CIO, corporate services director, and business systems manager. Before that, he spent 20 years in the financial sector and served as the operations manager of a bank services organization.
GE Aviation
FAA certifies GE9X engine
GE Aviation’s GE9X engine has been certified by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorities, a key milestone in its journey to power the twin-engine Boeing 777X family.
The FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) Part 33 certification involved eight test engines which completed nearly 5,000 hours and 8,000 cycles.
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Cris Taylor
Index Corp. names new president, CEO
Cris Taylor will be the president and CEO of CNC turning machines manufacturer Index Corp., effective Jan. 1, 2021. Taylor will be taking over for Tom Clark, who is retiring at the end of 2020. Taylor will join the Index Group in October, ensuring a seamless transition for the organization and customers.
Taylor has more than 30 years of experience in the machine tool industry, in Europe and the United States, including 27 years at Chiron. Most recently, he served eight years as managing director of Stama, Chiron’s sister company.
