Implementation of a new inlet protection system into HEMS fleet
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 2 December 2019
Issue publication date: 13 January 2020
Abstract
Purpose
EC-135P2+ helicopters operated by Polish Medical Air Rescue are highly exposed to environmental particles entering engines when performing helicopter emergency medical services. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of inlet barrier filters installed to protect the engines, including their impact on maintenance.
Design/methodology/approach
The organisation adopted a comprehensive set of measures to predict and limit the impact of dust ingestion including visual inspections, health management and engine trend monitoring based on ground power checks’ (GPC) results. Three alternative particle separation solutions were considered. Finally, helicopter inlets were modified to allow the selected filter system to be installed, which reduced the number of particles ingested by the engine and prevented from premature overhauls.
Findings
The analyses carried out enabled not only the selection of the optimal filtration solution and its seamless implementation into the fleet but also confirmed its efficiency. After installing the filters, engines’ lifetime is extended from 500 to 4,500 flight hours while operating costs and the number of maintenance tasks was reduced significantly.
Originality/value
Lessons learned from operational experience show that a well-matched particle separation system can mitigate accelerated engine deterioration even if the platform is continuously exposed to environmental particles. The remaining useful life of engines can be predicted using performance models and data from GPC.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This article is based upon a conference paper Implementation of a New Inlet Protection System into HEMS Fleet, hosted on www.sto.nato.int/publications/STO
Citation
Przybyła, B.S., Przysowa, R. and Zapałowicz, Z. (2019), "Implementation of a new inlet protection system into HEMS fleet", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 92 No. 1, pp. 67-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-11-2018-0289
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited