CBM Remediation Program: Implemented Improvements and Lessons Learned

In June of 2005, at the American Helicopter Society 61st Annual Forum, the concept of Remediation was presented with the paper titled [1]; Useful Life Improvements to Dynamic Components through Remediation. Since that time, the Army Aviation Engineering Directorate has implemented the concept on a small “Pathfinder” scale. This paper describes the results of the Pathfinder Remediation Program. The purpose of the Remediation Program is to extend the useful life of helicopter dynamic components by identifying the root cause for early removal of components from service and then attempting to remediate that cause with engineering analysis or testing. The results of the Pathfinder Remediation Program range from revising existing Serviceability Limits to the development of a Damage Tolerance Test program. Two examples of revising the serviceability limits are the CH-47 Damper Housing and the AH-64 Mast Support Base, which are discussed in detail. In addition, a Test program using the concept of Damage Tolerance for extending component useful life is discussed for the CH-47 Tie Bar. ScoreCard, an electronic data base for collecting and storage of the inspection data, has matured and is described in detail. Lessons learned in developing ScoreCard are provided as well as future developmental plans. Finally, this paper provides conclusions and recommendations with regard to Remediation and the plan for further development.