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Flying asset: Framework for developing scalable maintenance program for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Alberto Martinetti (Department of Design, Production and Management, Universiteit Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands)
Erik Jan Schakel (Department of Design, Production and Management, Universiteit Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands)
Leo A.M. van Dongen (Department of Design, Production and Management, Universiteit Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands)

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering

ISSN: 1355-2511

Article publication date: 14 May 2018

489

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a framework to provide a scalable maintenance program for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in order to choose the most suitable and feasible maintenance strategy in terms of reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a reliability-centered maintenance-based approach to develop the framework using a UAS as the starting point of the research. A linear and user-friendly design of the methodology based on a Boolean flowchart was chosen in order to lead the analyst through the process avoiding as much as possible subjectivity decision-making issues. Finally, the framework was, on the component level, performed by a UAS company gathering feedback on its applicability.

Findings

An agile and structured decision-making framework for developing scalable maintenance program of UAS is provided. The proposed solution gives the opportunity to tailor the maintenance strategy to the technical characteristics, considering not only the single component but also situations and conditions in which the machine will operate.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the framework is potentially applicable to every UAS. A first trial of the method was run on a multirotor vehicle equipped with eight electric brushless motors. Further studies focused on different UAS will be mandatory in order to obtain comparable and robust findings and a reliable approach.

Practical implications

This study offers a different scheme to elaborate a specific maintenance solution related to the characteristics of the system. It strives to remedy the drawbacks of the traditional approach for a manned aircraft not completely suitable for systems with such different functions, features and tasks. The authors believe that the method presented in this paper will provide a new selection tool for choosing maintenance actions based on the features of the UAS.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new and usable solution to include the maintenance actions in the management of pioneering products. In spite of the maintenance program representing an essential aspect to provide reliable assets, frameworks to create programs and to help manufacturers and users are still difficult to find or to apply to different UAS. This gap enhances the misunderstanding that the maintenance is not required or essential for the unmanned aircrafts management.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are deeply thankful to the Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) – Grant No. G0069 “Maintenance Research & Education Programme” for supporting the research study and for giving the opportunity to present an overview during the LRF International Conference 2016 “Bringing Safety to Life” in London, UK. Finally, the authors give their gratitude to the reviewers for the precious and valuable suggestions for improving the paper.

Citation

Martinetti, A., Schakel, E.J. and van Dongen, L.A.M. (2018), "Flying asset: Framework for developing scalable maintenance program for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 152-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-12-2016-0073

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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