Diagnostics for light helicopters

This paper addresses the issue of providing affordable diagnostics for light helicopters. The latest monitoring techniques and sensors are also reviewed for application in these highly cost-sensitive applications. Health and usage monitoring functions are evaluated and approaches suggested to address both the light helicopter models with analogue instrumentation and those with digital instrumentation. The suggested architecture and features are compliant ant with the RITA HUMS Digital Interface Specifications while maximizing the use of COTS technology. Key barriers to fleet-wide implementation of diagnostics in light helicopters are addressed.