|
RAF
Nimrod radar using e-tag for maintenance management
Oxley Systems together with QinetiQ and the RAF have implemented
e-tag contact memory technology for the RAF Nimrod squadrons based
at RAF Kinloss.
Qualification
e-tag has successfully completed a formal laboratory Qualification
Approval exercise and is now certified as 'air-worthy' for application
on the Searchwater Radar system.
A significant
issue addressed during the QA was adhesive retrofit attachment of
e-tags to aircraft systems. The testing concluded that a commercially
available adhesive system produced strengths of over 1000N even
after simulated accelerated life tests.
Aircraft
modification
The RAF formal modification instructions are complete and installation
of tags completed.
Seven
categories of Searchwater LRUs ( Line Replaceable Units ) are being
e-tagged some with discrete e-tag and some with e-labels, a combination
of metal ID label and electronic e-tag. Included is the radar scanner
which will impose very high electromagnetic fields to the e-tag.
Systems
integration
Oxley have integrated e-tag Readers into the existing computer system
in the Searchwater 2nd line maintenance bay at RAF Kinloss. This
allows the e-tags to be populated from the outset with existing
LRU maintenance history. 1st line maintenance will be also be issued
with e-tag readers.
The data stored on the e-tag is compatible with MoD Form 731 (Equipment
Conditioning Label) and MoD Form 707B (Maintenance Works Order).
The application
of etag on RAF Nimrods is ongoing. To date the e-tags have been
used for an equivalent of 200 years with zero tag failures
For
further details on e-tag and the RAF Nimrod e-tag programme contact
Mike Foster
|
