Cost Benefit Analysis of a 9-Centistoke Lubricant for Helicopter Transmissions
Abstract
A study was conducted to estimate the cost benefit of using a 9-cSt lubricant in helicopter transmissions in place of the DOD-L-85374 oil currently being used. The study was based on an analysis of direct maintenance costs for the main transmission of the U.S. Navy SH-60B helicopter and an extrapolation of SH-60B cost benefits to other helicopters in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps inventories. For the study, an analysis was performed to determine the effect of 9-cSt lubricating oil on the life of main transmission components. Field data were also analyzed to quantify the unscheduled removal rate of main transmission modules and to establish the causes for removals within specific categories. Life factor ratios were applied to these data to project the reduction in parts usage along with cost savings resulting from use of a 9-cSt oil. Overall, the SH-60B helicopter would achieve an estimated annual savings of $709 thousand in gearbox unscheduled maintenance costs, with the savings for all U.S. Navy and Marine Corps helicopters reaching an estimated $7.5 million annually.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA330100
Entities
People
- Michelle A. Consolini
- Thomas A. Cook
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation