Cost and effectiveness analysis of the AH-64 and UH-60 on-board vibrations monitoring system

The objectives of our program are to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of the AH-64 (Apache) and UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopters' on-board vibration monitoring (VM) system, to provide an annual cost savings analysis of the vibration management enhancement program (VMEP) for the AH-64 and UH-60 aircraft fleets, and to initially correlate vibration signals with the ULLS-A (logistics) database to create a costs benefits analysis (CBA) model. Logistics (ULLS-A) and vibration (VMU) data were collected for Blackhawks and Apaches from different establishments (South Carolina Army National Guard, Alabama Army National Guard, deployed units in Kosovo, and Korea), warehoused in our database, and analyzed. In addition, all personnel from these bases were surveyed to examine other nontangible benefits of the program. In order to provide a timely and sufficient cost and economic analysis to support the effective allocation and management of resources for Army programs, a CBA model has been developed. Our goal was to develop and maintain cost and economic analyses as effective and efficient tools for decision-making while supporting management decisions by quantifying the resource impact of alternative options. The model utilizes test flight information from the ULLS-A database in order to estimate a cost savings and recovery of the initial cost of the VMU hardware installation and future cost savings for the Apache and Blackhawk helicopters. It includes cost variables such as: test flight hours, hours per flight, cost per flight hour, VMEP investment, number of VMEP helicopters, RT&B flights, and non-RT&B flights. It also includes nontangible variables such as: availability, morale, safety, operational flight hours gained, premature parts failure, mission aborts, and unscheduled maintenance occurrence. As of today, our activities have been highlighted by savings in parts cost, operational support, an increase in mission capability rates, a decrease in maintenance, and an increase in total flight time. Other highlights of nontangible benefits include an increase in confidence for early diagnosis, an increase in attention and performance, an increase in personnel morale, and an increase in safety and sense of safety.

1. Introduction

The AH-64/UH-60, On-Board, Vibration Monitoring (VM) System— The South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) with input from the US Army and the University of South Carolina has developed an on-board Vibration Monitoring (VM) system that was installed on AH-64 and UH-60 aircraft. The University of South Carolina and SCARNG have established a model to measure the cost effectiveness of the VMEP program. The method and approach of this program are to: (1)

Measure and record in-flight vibrations.

(2)

Process vibration data, apply signal analysis methods, and identify “hot-spots”.

(3)

Fine-tune the track and balance of the aircraft to reduce vibrations.

(4)

Identify and address incipient failures through repair and/or replacements.