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The use of Radio frequency identification (RFID) is increasing asset visibility, accountability and environmental assessment throughout industry. The application of RFID is maturing and expanding to include unforeseen uses. Asset accountability does not have to be constrained to identification alone. There is a myriad of opportunities if RFID technology infrastructure could support additional data beyond simple ID and tracking. Industry need has driven the development of enhanced RFID technology. Through the University of Arkansas' RFID Research Center, the discrete arenas of wireless and sensory technologies have merged and when coupled with internet applications are emerging to provide a viable integrated solution for capturing asset attribute data such as temperature and time. Specifically, the ability to monitor and control surroundings within a cold-temperature environment has been identified as a significant attribute from the consumer goods sectors.

In 1993, Grumman St. Augustine Corporation (GSAC) initiated a pollution prevention project to replace the methylene chloride based paint stripper that is currently used at the site. A total of eighteen different paint strippers were evaluated. Testing was conducted in the laboratory and field to ensure performance in an operational environment. Testing included: coating removal rates, sandwich corrosion, intergranular attack/end grain pitting and hydrogen embrittlement Stripping efficiency was evaluated on several different coating schemes: Epoxy Primer (MIL-P-23377TY1CL3) + Polyurethane Topcoat (MIL-C-83286), Epoxy Primer + Polysulfide (MIL-S-81733) + Polyurethane Topcoat, Epoxy Primer + Koroflex (TT-P-2760TY1CL2) + Polyurethane Topcoat.

Information on icing flight tests as conducted by the US Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity is presented. A quick review is conducted of organizations within the US Army that become involved with icing tests. Icing flight test techniques and hardware are shown and discussed. Natural and artificial icing test results are compared. Results and conclusions from previous icing evaluations are shown. The capabilities and limitations of current techniques and systems are discussed. And finally, the process for establishing an airworthiness qualification allowing Army aircraft to fly into a forecast icing environment is presented.

Powder metallurgy (P/M) technology has been identified as a major means for reducing critical element usage for superalloy turbine engine hardware. Utilizing quality and process control, a P/M process has been successfully developed and applied to producing hardware for General Electric's T700 engine used in the Army's Blackhawk helicopter. Utilizing the process, a cost saving of approximately $3000 per engine has been realized and a weight reduction of 40 lbs of superalloy starting material per engine has been achieved. Over 6000 parts have been produced to date and more than 800 engines have been delivered. The high time engine has achieved over 1900 hours operating time. A total of over 200,000 engine operating hours have been accumulated by as-HIP turbine hardware. This engine experience and mechanical property data show that the P/M process is capable of producing high quality reliable hardware for turbine engine applications.

A new generation of Army helicopter crew station is being developed today to meet the challenges of missions required by Army Aviation. The scout mission exemplifies the demands that can be placed upon the aircraft and crew. Scout missions require nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight during day, night, and adverse weather conditions. Such a requirement demands the highest degree of compatibility between aircraft systems and crew. To meet this challenge, the US Army is currently developing an improved scout helicopter called the Army Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP). Several enhancements and innovations in crew station design are an integral part of the program. Improvements in the AHIP control/display system reduce head-down cockpit activities allowing more time for head-up flight of the aircraft; especially important during NOE flight.

Given the rapidly rising complexity of advanced-development aircraft and the diminishing experience pool of crewstation designers, a requirement exists for the implementation of crewstation development tools. These tools must support real-time simulation, advanced displays, and empirical data collection. Northrop’s Advanced Crewstation Integration Cockpit (ACIC) introduces full and rapid reconfigurability to a comprehensive aerodynamic, threat, sensor and weapons system simulation presented to the pilot on conventional or advanced-design displays. All controls and displays are reprogrammable, relocatable, and reconfigurable in their size, type of action and graphical attributes. Development capability for expert systems, sensor fusion, and data collection requirements are provided for. This standalone system, operating in real time, is unique in its ability to perform high-utility simulation at low cost.