Streamlined avionics PHM utilizing portable information and reasoning

Abstract

Avionics maintenance and repair presents many opportunities for improved diagnostic methods and better capture and retention of on-board and at-wing data to support improved diagnostics, enhanced logistics, and enabled prognostics. Previous papers by the authors describe open-systems architecture and innovative reasoning processes to capitalize evidence sources and decrease diagnostic ambiguity while preserving information continuity. In this paper, the authors describe an at-wing application for portable maintenance aids. ReasonPro-At Wing/spl trade/ embedded technology facilitates shared decision making in the maintenance process and affords capture and fusion of operating conditions, parameter sets, environmental data, and diagnostic model results. ReasonPro-At Wing/spl trade/ utilizes onboard information sources and automated reasoning techniques to extend built-in test (BIT). Operational and environmental data combine with data maturation processing through the support of automated data warehousing and mining. These enhancements facilitate a shift from the current three-level maintenance process toward two-level approach and lay a foundation for prognostics.