De-risk wireless data transmission technology

Citation

(2009), "De-risk wireless data transmission technology", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781eaf.008

De-risk wireless data transmission technology

Article Type: Mini features From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 5

A consortium of key players from the UK aerospace industry, led by TRW Conekt, is to develop wireless data gathering and transmission technology for aircraft applications – with an investment of £1.6 m from the technology strategy board.

WIreless Technologies for Novel Enhancement of Systems and Structures Serviceability (WiTNESSS) is a collaborative project which will research and de-risk wireless data transmission technology for key testing and structural health monitoring applications in aero engines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Current aircraft instrumentation and test systems are linked by heavy and complex wiring harnesses which limit the amount of data which can be collected. Using wireless (radio) technology instead of fixed wiring gives the potential to measure more parameters, save cost and weight and lead to lighter, more efficient future aircraft designs and quicker time-to-market.

Although wireless devices are already common in the computer, video game and mobile phone sectors using technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth, these are not designed to operate reliably in the harsh physical and electromagnetic environment found on an aircraft. The project will therefore find solutions to the challenges which currently prevent deployment on aircraft, and through a phased testing and demonstration programme will prove the performance of the new wireless systems developed.

The WiTNESSS consortium comprises TRW Conekt (lead partner), QinetiQ Ltd, QM Systems Limited, Rolls-Royce plc, Airbus UK, BAE Systems, System Level Integration Limited, GE Aviation, Bombardier Aerospace Belfast, Ultra Electronics BCF and AgustaWestland. The collaboration between large- and small-companies including aircraft manufacturers, technology developers and component/system suppliers brings together their key skills to maximise the effectiveness of the project.

The three-year collaborative project, with a total budget of £3.4 m, was launched with an investment of £1.6 m from the Technology Strategy Board. This followed a Technology Strategy Board competition, which invited proposals to develop technologies that could be used successfully in difficult or complex environments to gather data that currently cannot be captured.

TRW Conekt's Roger Hazelden is Technical Lead for WiTNESSS and chaired the strategic development of the project. Roger said “We have brought together a very strong consortium, all of whom want to exploit the rapidly-growing field of wireless technology. This project will significantly strengthen the UK's competitive position and will lead to future export opportunities for the partners.”

“WiTNESSS will be a fantastic opportunity to develop specific products and technologies to meet market demand. The evolution of wireless systems from the laboratory into the harsh physical environment on an aircraft is an important development for the aerospace industry. Wireless transmission can be difficult due to rotating components, electromagnetic interference, confined spaces or other such challenges but with technology advancing rapidly, now is the time to act and ensure that the UK is in a strong position for the future.”

With a range of technical backgrounds, as well as proven project management skills, Conekt has a wealth of experience with electronics, sensors and safety-critical systems. This provides a solid base for innovative exciting developments and captivating cutting edge technologies for future transportation systems.

For further details, please contact: WiTNESSS. Tel.: +44 (0)121 627 4242.