SBIR-STTR Award

Systems & Electronics, Inc. (SEI) is proposing a program of research and development to manufacture, test, install and experiment with an efficient, lightweight, low-cost, reliable airframe cumulative fatigue recording device that can effectively be used in measuring aircraft usage. The proposed system will be used along with accelerometers installed aboard the aircraft and will record and separately store: *aircraft flight maneuver activities *counting accelerometer data *aircraft taxi data the proposed recording system will be designed with the capability to store up to 400-500 hours of flight data and to automatically change the frequency of peak and valley acceleration recording as the aircraft usage changes. Furthermore, through advanced software that will be built into the system, recording parameters can easily be monitored and upgraded as needed and the data can be downloaded for fatigue analysis via a portable personal computer. SEI intends to develop a new concept in bracket design that would allow for quick installation and removal of the recorder. SEI's design goal is to have a product that in quantities of 100 or more would sell at $500 to $750 each.

Systems & Electronics, Inc. (SEI) proposes Phase II of this Research and Development program as a continuation of Phase I effort. SEI proposes to manufacture a small, lightweight recorder for fatigue monitoring of aircraft. SEI will conduct environmental and vibration tests to qualify the recorder for use in FAA approved aircraft. SEI will install at least eight (8) recorders aboard a selected number of aircraft and resume flight data acquisition for the purpose of fatigue damage analysis.

Anticipated Results:
SEI expects a comprehensive program for tracking the structural integrity of commercial aircraft upon implementation of the recorder in the test aircraft.