Unsettled Topics on the Use of IVHM in the Active Control Loop

SAE Edge� Research Report �Unsettled Topics on the Use of IVHM in the Active Control Loop� was published in July 2020. This report explored the issues surrounding embedding IVHM information into the active control loops of modern aircraft systems and in future generations of aircraft designs. As aircraft have become more technologically capable in terms of sensing and processing data, the use of IVHM data for maintenance optimization has expanded to other systems beyond engines and APUs. The need for large transport aircraft will continue to exist alongside the desire for more personal mobility, such as VTOL aircraft and PAVs. Autonomous systems offer economical solutions for transporting small numbers of passengers, delivering cargo, and performing unique tasks, such as fighting fires. The development of next generation military aircraft will accelerate the advancement of technologies that enable autonomy as well as IVHM functionality. The use of IVHM for active control in addition to maintenance optimization has been discussed but not implemented due to barriers regarding data provenance, designing IVHM systems to meet certification requirements for airborne equipment, managing uncertainty in prognostic algorithms, and leveraging the best of humans and machines to enhance the decision-making process. This oral presentation will summarize the barriers to implementing IVHM into the active control loop of aircraft systems and discuss opportunities for overcoming these barriers. This presentation will be an overview of the SAE Edge� Research Report.