Rotor Track & Balancing is the general term used to collect data from the dynamic components of helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts props. The data is collected whenever the pilot has reported heavy vibration, after scheduled maintenance, replacement of dynamic components or frequently according to the maintenance manual.
To measure vibration and to collect the data, special equipment with special software is required. For this Helitune develops and manufactures the Rotortuner product range that apart from the processor includes transducers such as line scan camera, optical and magentica pick-up units and accelerometer. Cables connect the different equipment to transfer the data to the Data Collection Unit.
The Line Scan camera is used to collect the blade track, acquiring the track at the tip of the blade. The tolerances are given in the OEM provided maintenance manual. Followed by the track adjustment, data collection starts.
The Optical Pick Up, Magnetical Pick Up and the Accelerometers are fitted to the aircraft according to the locations given in the Maintenance Manual of which are described within the Helitune Application Notes provided by Helitune.
To collect the data and to compare it according to the specification given by the OEM, a Data Application Card with the aircraft specific characteristic loaded on a PCMCIA is inserted into the Data Collection Unit.
The collected data is compared to the aircrafts specific characteristic stored on the PCMCIA. Solutions are offered to match the limits according the OEM. The collected Data is stored on the PCMCIA and can be reviewed later; a hard copy can be printed out on the Voyager. The hand-held terminal "Voyager" is the interface used to run through the user menu.
General Training combined with basic knowledge of Vibration and usage of the Helitune equipment is recommended by Helitune. Both General and Recurrent Training is offered by experienced Helitune staff, locally at the manufacturing base at Torrington or on site where the operator is based.
The collected data can be transferred and stored within the Helitune RT Vision to be filed, engineered and monitored. A closed loop principal is used to improve the performance of the aircraft, to match the requirements according to the OEM maintenance manual and to minimise the load and the stress to bearing, the fuselage and the crew by vibrating dynamic components.
To use the Portable Helitune RT & B equipment frequently, to store and analyse collected data, to trend the data and to train the engineers to use the Helitune RT & B equipment as it has been designed, the aircraft safety operation profile and the availability will be improved. Regular Data Exchange with the Helitune Engineers will increase the improvement of the characteristic of the different sensitivity of the aircraft specific Data Application Card.
Using the well experienced, reliable and world wide operating Helitune RT & B equipment together with the Services offered from the well experienced Field & Customer Support team improves the usage and benefit for the operator.
