Rolls-Royce has secured a year-long research contract from the US Navy to develop digital foreign object debris (FOD) detection technology.
The A$1,3 million contract will see the company further develop and validate its FanSenseTM debris monitoring system, which is currently supporting the Pegasus engine.
FanSense works by analysing the shaft speed signal of an engine and is able to detect any disruptions that arise as a result of a small object, such as stones or screws, striking an engine fan blade.
Paul Craig, President of Defence Services, said the innovative technology would allow customers across Civil and Defence industries to detect much smaller debris entering the engine, enabling them to build a clearer picture of FOD damage, which is estimated to cost the global aviation industry billions of dollars per year in damage and disruption.
“FanSense is an innovative and revolutionary Rolls-Royce digital technology being packaged and applied to our products,” Mr Craig said.
“The research funding granted by the US Navy will allow us to further enhance and build upon our pioneering technologies that will enhance safety, efficiency and deliver a cultural change for our customers.”
Jonathan Sides, FOD Chief Engineer at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said, “Inlet debris monitoring technology is a critical element of the FOD mitigation portfolio, supporting the US Navy’s initiative to save hundreds of millions in FOD repair costs.”
