Unmanned Systems Technology 013 | AutonomouStuff Lincoln MKZ | AI systems | Unmanned Underwater Vehicles | Cosworth AG2 UAV twin | AceCore Neo | Maintenance | IDEX 2017 Show report

68 I n manned aviation, maintenance procedures are closely regulated, and with good reason. Without clear definitions of which inspections, overhauls, modifications, repairs and replacements are required for airworthiness, it cannot be guaranteed that aircraft will be operated with equal levels of safety and reliability by all users. There is common ground therefore between international regulating bodies such as the FAA and the EASA in terms of structures and tiers of maintenance routines, from lighter ‘A’ checks every few hundred hours or cycles that usually take up to 70 man-hours (depending on the type of aircraft), to overhaul-level ‘D’ checks every six years, which can take up to 50,000 man-hours. That ensures there is no room for doubt in terms of what constitutes sufficient care and attention for manned aircraft. The unmanned industry, however, has lagged behind the manned air vehicles sector in forming standardised maintenance guidelines. There are three key reasons for this. First, effort has thus far focused on training UAS pilots in the correct requirements, locations and weather for flight, while to some extent neglecting (or even crowding out) progress on maintenance regulations. Second, making such progress is challenging owing to the sheer number of manufacturers and bespoke systems in unmanned vehicles. Standardised rules require common denominators, but new and varied technologies for sensors, power systems, avionics and structures come onto the market every year. Third, the exponential speed with which new iterations of hardware and software are rolled out means that constant updates of inspection protocols, time between checks and levels of technical complexity and skills are required. An older UAV or component submitted for certification may be rendered obsolete by a newer version before the three-to-five- year certification process is completed. Maintenance regulations Progress in establishing maintenance rules is now being made, however, notably with the publication in mid- 2016 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Rory Jackson gives a guide to best practice for keeping unmanned systems safe and reliable Check it out April/May 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology Propellers on fixed-wing UAVs are especially prone to damage during take-off and landing. Regular inspections and repairs can stave off the need for replacement (Courtesy of Latitude Engineering)