FUTURE-PROOF? Predictive maintenance is rapidly evolving, allowing operators and manufacturers to predict — and avoid — potential problems before they appear. What does the future hold for this burgeoning technology? 92 VERTICAL magazine BY THIERRY DUBOIS We all wish we could foresee misfortune on the road ahead of us, allowing us the opportunity to avoid it. In many aspects of life, this ability remains firmly in the world of science fiction, but for those who work in helicopter maintenance, it’s fast becom- ing a reality. This is world of predictive maintenance, in which usage and condition monitoring data is used to predict poten- tial issues before they happen. The rapid evolution of predictive maintenance is not only enabling measurable improvements in its effectiveness, but is democratizing its use among the global fleet, with even some smaller helicopters now able to benefit from it. Most of the advancements stem from ever-increasing computing power, but a new, more science-based approach may allow manufacturers and operators to have an even ear- lier and deeper understanding of potential problems. Airbus Helicopters, Sikorsky and Sentient Science are among those investing to enhance the capabilities of prognostic tools. Matt Tarascio, director for data analytics, prognostic health management and artificial intelligence (AI) for rotary and mission systems at Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky’s parent company), told Vertical that the manufacturer is using the extensive data col- lected from health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) on the S-92 to predict negative events. “We have over 15 years of data on a 300-strong [S-92] fleet,” he said. The company uses