Source: LinkedIn – Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
Universal Synaptics’ Intermittent Fault Detection (IFD) technology was recently featured in an article entitled FRCSW Generators Shop Serves Multiple Naval Airframes, published on August 12, 2022 by Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW).
The article states “of the many components crucial to the basic performance and safety of an aircraft, perhaps none are more important than the aircraft’s generators and generator control units (GCU), the power behind the electrical systems. The maintenance and repair of GCUs and generators used in many naval airframes is the job of the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) generator shop in Building 378. Among the generators serviced are those of the F/A-18, P-3 Orion, V-22 Osprey, H-53 helicopter and the AV-8B Harrier.”
It continues by stating that the generators shop is staffed with “34 artisans that include aircraft electricians, instrument and electronics mechanics, electrical equipment repairers and electronic integrated systems mechanics.”
The F/A-18 Super Hornet’s GCU is highlighted in the article discussing the process leveraging Universal Synaptics’ patented Intermittent Fault Detection (IFD) technology. “After the chassis’ are stripped, they are sent along with their wiring harness for analysis on the Intermittent Fault Detection and Isolation System (IFDIS) in Building 463.”
“The IFDIS checks the GCU harness connection points for intermittent shorts or opens, and can also simulate the flight stresses and conditions which Hornet aircraft endure. The IFDIS process takes about one day.”
The benefits of IFDIS implementation into the FRCSW generators shop process has assisted in lowering the GCU backlog. “In December 2018, there were more than 80 fleet backorders across the GCU platform. By September 2021, the team was able to reduce the fleet backorder count to zero, and continues to maintain a zero back status for going on 12 months,” said Shawn Willis, MRO deputy program manager for avionics, instruments and rotating electric. IFDIS is an integral part of this process and continues to provide readiness to fleets leveraging the technology across the DoD Maintenance Enterprise.
This article highlights Universal Synaptics’ IFDIS, Intermittent Fault Detection & Isolation System 2.0 (IFDIS 2.0). The same technology exists in the Portable Intermittent Fault Detector (PIFD), which is built for smaller components and Electronic Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS) / harnesses. IFDIS 2.0 and PIFD increase maintainers ability to accurately troubleshoot intermittent faults. IFD technology is the only objectively proven technology that meets MIL-PRF-32516, reducing maintenance costs, improving component reliability, and increasing materiel readiness in aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, etc. The IFDIS, IFDIS 2.0, and PIFD are available exclusively from Universal Synaptics and Lockheed Martin.
For more information about IFDIS, contact the OEM, Universal Synaptics at contact@usynaptics.com or via our Information Request.