Innovative Method for Strain Sensor Calibration on Fleet Aircraft

ATA Engineering, Inc. proposes a project to extend an existing technology for calibration of strain sensors on-board the F/A-18 fighter aircraft. These sensors, typically installed at production, are used to measure and track the loads experienced during the service life of an individual aircraft and, in doing so, evaluate the current structural health of that aircraft. However, small discrepancies in sensor installation and aircraft build can lead to nontrivial inaccuracy in the predicted remaining fatigue life, requiring either potentially unwarranted conservatism or unnecessary risk in the calculation. ATA's strain sensor calibration system (SSCS) technology provides ground-based calibration of these sensors in lieu of intensive full-scale rig calibration and potentially inaccurate flight-based calibration. ATA seeks to advance the technology to TRL 8, by adapting the system design from a prototype to a production system by incorporating further ruggedization, addressing applicable equipment standards, evaluating use of the system by Navy artisans, assessing implementation across the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft fleets, and incorporating lessons learned in the initial development program.