CBM Vibration Monitoring Lessons Learned from the Apache MSPU Program

Drivetrain component vibration monitoring has been implemented on the U.S. Army AH-64D Apache helicopter fleet for over seven years. Using the Modernized Signal Processing Unit (MSPU) with Honeywell/IAC software, Apache has achieved several Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) benefits and many lessons have been learned with respect to successfully utilizing vibration monitoring. On a technical level, the lessons include how to create effective Condition Indicators (CIs), and how to analyze and use the acquired data. On a programmatic level, the lessons include how to achieve CBM benefits, and how to effectively develop the monitoring software and its support structure. Overall, the lessons learned can be categorized into five basic "Keys to Success". This paper describes the CBM process and provides recommendations with specific examples of lessons learned from the Apache program.