Advanced Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) and Model Based Prognostic Useful Life Remaining Capabilities for Aircraft Tactical Information and Co

Ridgetop will create algorithms and models for Prognostics/Health Management (PHM) on radio-frequency (RF) components used in Communication, Navigation, and Intelligence (CNI) systems. A key focus of this work is adaptation of proven time-domain statistic analysis techniques - Multivariate State Estimation Technique (MSET) and Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) - to the frequency domain, exploiting the increased sensitivity and robustness of the statistical approach with the computational economy achieved with Fourier-transform or frequency-space algorithms. These models will be proven on representative CNI hardware chosen by Ridgetop’s Prime Contractor Partner (Raytheon) with input from the JSF Program Office. The chosen hardware will have a history of high failure rates and intermittent faults, and the prognostic models will be driven by existing parameters and measurands. Ridgetop’s proactive IRAD for this proposal indicates that subject components can be chosen which represent both legacy (ageing aircraft) and emerging technology, to maximize return-on-investment (ROI) to the warfighting customer. An optional effort will focus on one complex, high-failure rate CNI component such as the Traveling-Wave Tube (TWT). Ridgetop’s proposed work plan includes demonstrated detection of intermittents which complicate the diagnosis of faults and prediction of remaining useful life for critical aircraft systems.