Northrop Expands E-2D Maintenance Technology
Northrop Grumman has expanded the use of augmented and virtual reality systems for maintenance, training, and sustainment work associated with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The company said the technologies are being used to improve aircraft servicing and reduce maintenance delays.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye operates as an airborne command centre for the United States military. The aircraft uses a 360-degree radar system to support situational awareness during joint and coalition operations. Northrop Grumman described the platform as one of the most heavily tasked aircraft in the United States military inventory.
The company has introduced augmented reality, artificial intelligence & machine learning tools through its digital sustainment programme. One of the systems developed under the programme is a maintenance platform known as Armor.
Armor combines augmented reality with predictive analytics and fleet data to provide maintenance personnel with information about aircraft functionality, operational use and servicing requirements. The system delivers animated step-by-step instructions through tablet devices and augmented reality headsets.
The platform also allows maintainers to examine internal aircraft areas through digital visualisation technology. Maintenance personnel can identify technical faults and inspect specific aircraft sections during servicing procedures.
Northrop Grumman said the system can reduce labour requirements and shorten training periods connected to aircraft maintenance work. The company announced that the technology is intended to help reduce aircraft downtime.
Virtual reality systems are also being used for E-2D maintenance training. The training environment places personnel in a 360-degree digital simulation that replicates maintenance scenarios pertaining to aircraft systems and components.
The company said the training programme allows technicians to work with components that are difficult to access or expensive to transport between locations. The virtual environment enables maintenance instruction without requiring physical aircraft equipment during each stage of training.
Northrop Grumman reported that early results from the virtual reality training programme showed improvements in maintenance task performance and reductions in repair times of up to 75 per cent. The company also stated that trainees reported increased confidence after completing the virtual training exercises.
A machine learning programme known as the Learning Intelligence Tools Ecosystem, or LITE, has also been introduced for E-2D maintenance operations. The system was developed through collaboration between the E-2D engineering team in Melbourne, Florida, and the company’s data analytics team in Redondo Beach, California.
According to Northrop Grumman, LITE helps maintenance personnel identify the causes of technical issues more quickly. The company said the system improved maintenance for the aircraft’s radar pressurisation and cooling system.
Northrop Grumman stated that the use of LITE reduced maintenance rework in the radar pressurisation and cooling system by 67 per cent. The company added that the reduction shortened testing periods and allowed aircraft to return to operational service more quickly.
The company said it continues to invest in digital systems and technology deployment across its manufacturing operations, which cover more than 30 million square feet of production space. The technologies developed for E-2D upkeep and training are also being applied to other military aircraft programmes.
Northrop Grumman stated that the systems are supporting operations involving the F-35 Lightning II, the B-2 Spirit, and other strike aircraft. The company additionally reported that more than 1,000 augmented reality solutions have been deployed across its defence programmes.
According to Northrop Grumman, the augmented reality systems are being used for applications including digital work instructions, facility layout planning and maintenance scheduling across multiple programmes.
