Repeatable Release Holdback Bar Health Monitoring System

The Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) is critical to the safe and effective launch of carrier-based aircraft. The current RRHB is a purely mechanical device with no integral electronic health monitoring or warning capabilities. All records regarding the use of an RRHB must be maintained manually to guide normal maintenance and calibration activities. In between these maintenance cycles, there is no indication of whether or not the RRHB is performing within specifications. The objective of this project is to develop a durable sensor package that can be mounted on the RRHB to monitor and report key performance metrics such as the RRHB serial number, number of shots, release load, and reset status, thereby providing shipboard personnel with an indication that unscheduled service might be required. In Phase I, we developed an overall system concept including specifications and an interfacing approach with fleet personnel. We developed a prototype system and demonstrated the overall concept. In the Base Phase II effort, the system will be integrated with a range of existing RRHBs, and the performance will be validated with laboratory test facilities. In Option efforts, we will shipboard qualify the systems and deliver six units for shipboard testing.