PSI - Issue 14

Manu Jain et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 14 (2019) 184–190 Manu Jain / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2018) 000–000

190

7

program will ensure that sensors are embedded at critical locations at the production stage itself. This will facilitate online monitoring of loads experienced and the life can be determined continuously, thus reducing the number of inspections and test required for life extension. 6.2. Management of inventory The inspection and checks related to life extension have resulted in a great amount of knowledge on the usage patterns and storage conditions. This knowledge is being leveraged to manage the inventory of spare parts. 6.3. Post induction support The condition of UAV is a factor of handling and uses. This also provides indication of how much post induction support is needed. If the usage is low and condition of UAV is not good it gives evidence of poor maintenance control. Frequency of operator training and maintenance crew checks can be determined based on the data 6.4. Continual improvement The data from life extension also provide base for improvement. Critical parts or more frequently replaced items design/production control can be improved as detailed in R Vasantha et al. (2017). 7. Conclusion As the UAV progresses in its operational life deterioration of structure and components cannot be stopped but it could be minimized/slowed by suitable maintenance and prevention techniques, thus making the life extension of aircrafts possible. Continuous monitoring of operations and maintenance with proper recording of data facilitates the decision on life extension of UAV. Life extension of UAVs has proved that a considerable amount of cost and time can be saved to the user. Many Lakshyas and Nishants have completed life extension programme and achieved better reliability, enhancing the operational capability of squadrons. Acknowledgements Authors thank Director, ADE for his continuous encouragement for quality improvement and permitting us to present this paper. The authors also acknowledge Shri V Dakshina Murthy of Quality Assurance Division, ADE and support staff from assembly for valuable guidance and encouragement in writing this paper. References Stevan Maksimović, Zoran Vasić, Radoljub Došić : Service Life Extension Program for Aircraft Structures, Scientific Technical Review, 2015,Vol.65,No.3,pp.46-54 Manu Jain, Satyendra Kumar Singh, V Dakshina Murthy, V Ashok Rangan : Lakshya life extension procedure, Technical procedure document (2009) Manu Jain, S Rajashekhar, V Subramanian, V Ashok Rangan :Lakshya life extension reports, Field trial reports (2009-2016) Manu Jain, S Rajashekhar, V Subramanian, V Ashok Rangan :Lakshya: Life assessment, extension and certification, Fatigue durability conference 2016 R Vasantha, Manu Jain, V Subramanian, V Ashok Rangan, Life estimation of UAV components with field conditions taken into consideration-A case study of Lakshya, National Conference on Arial Delivery & Airborne Surveillance Systems (ADASS) 2017 ADRDE, Agra