Fine Filtration - An Attractive Route Towards Lower Helicopter Operating Costs,

Abstract

Helicopter transmission Times Between Overhaul (TBO's) appear to be surprisingly low, but cost analyses suggest that if the bulk of tribological problems could be eliminated, reductions in annual helicopter ownership costs would improve. In short, the main key to lower costs lies in improved mechanical reliability. Research and trials experience suggest that, provided a gearbox is free from design deficiencies, replacement of a gas turbine oil by a suitable gear oil combined with 3 microns absolute filtration would result in appreciably higher TBO's and enhanced reliability. This paper describes the research and trials experience that led to the adoption of fine filtration. However, to be fully effective it is imperative that the gearbox starts off life in the cleanest possible condition. To achieve this means revising standard production methods. TBO's could be phased out within the foreseable future and gearboxes fall into the 'Fit and Forget' category where they belong.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADP004660

Entities

People

  • P. B. Macpherson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Deficiencies
  • Engineering
  • Filtration
  • Gas Turbines
  • Helicopters
  • Portugal
  • Production
  • Production Engineering
  • Production Management Methods
  • Reliability
  • Standards
  • Turbines
  • Turboprop Engines

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).