ADVANCED LUBE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS FOR V-22

The next generation of military aircraft, entering service in the early to mid-1990's will incorporate innovative sensing technology in many systems in order to maximize reliability and maintainability characteristics, improve safety and operational readiness and reduce the cost of ownership. A sophisticated new concept in on-line, oil debris based diagnostics - the Quantitative Debris Monitor (QDM®) - used in conjunction with a uniquely designed housing, which insures a very high probability of wear particle capture, has been applied to the V-22 so as to optimize early failure detection capability and reduce the "false alarm" rate. The OSPREY is unique in the fact that it will be the first aircraft to utilize this system in both engines and gear-boxes. This paper will discuss the details of the application of these devices - in the form of new sensors, supporting integrated circuits and novel oil debris separators - for each gearbox and engine of the V-22.