Update on the Mini-VCS (Vehicle Computer System) – Leveraging Vehicle Networks & User Interfaces for CBM+ (Condition Based Maintenance Plus) Diagnostics, Prognostics, and Sensor Integration

This paper is a technology update of the continued leveraging of using the newest vehicle diagnostics system, the Smart Wireless Internal Combustion Engine (SWICE) interface as the Mini-VCS (Vehicle Computer System). The objective is to further enhance Conditioned Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) secure diagnostics, data logging, prognostics and sensor integration to support improvement of the US military ground vehicle fleet’s uptime to enhance operational readiness.

Evolving advancements of the SWICE initiative will be presented, including how the SWICE “At Platform” Test System can readily be deployed as a multiple-use Mini-VCS. The application of the Mini-VCS integrates the best practices of diagnostics and prognostics, coupled with specialized sensor integration, into a solution that optimally benefits the military ground vehicle fleet. These benefits include increased readiness and operational availability, reduced maintenance costs, lower repair part inventory levels, reduced cost of consumables, and an overall reduction in maintenance process errors.