Technology to Support Non-destructive Inspection of Helicopter Sling Load (HSL) Slings and Textiles

The Army desires to replace the existing subjective helicopter sling inspection process with one that unambiguously and quantitatively assesses sling strength and can deliver a go/no-go status to inspectors. In particular, a method for examining the interior of helicopter slings, which is inaccessible by current surface inspection methods, is sought. TIAX proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of integrated sensing fibers to provide information on the internal conditions of slings and report a go/no-go status via an interrogator device. In our Phase I program we will develop integrated sensing fibers based on a newly developed synthetic approach and test wear properties of the material for compatibility and robust sensing performance upon incorporation into existing sling materials.