GE Aviation Wins Award for ‘Game-Changing’ Technology Implementation

GE Aviation won the Game-Changing Technology Implementation award last week at the 2013 Manufacturing Leadership Summit for its Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) technology. Designed to reduce delays, cancellations and unscheduled maintenance as initially implemented on the G650 business jet, IVHM continuously manages and analyzes data throughout the flight, creating a set of health information for the engines, avionics, power, cabin and other aircraft systems.

“This technology fundamentally changes how aircraft fleets are managed,” said program manager Mark Thomson.“The system connects an aircraft to its support via a series of real-time links, provides insight and fleet context on difficult-to-solve issues and provides a single version of the events used between the aircraft manufacturer, the operator and even the aircraft’s supply base.”

Wireless connectivity links every aircraft to a ground services network, providing a web-based service that delivers a real-time picture of aircraft health accessible at any time from anywhere in the world.The system integrates with customers’ product support and maintenance systems to enhance dispatch reliability and availability. –G.P.