GPMS International (Booth 6508) has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA for its Foresight MX predictive health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) on the MD530 helicopter through a collaboration with MD Helicopters, Wysong Enterprises, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The Foresight MX kit was installed by helicopter MRO Wysong on an MD530F owned by the TVA. Assistance in the installation was provided by MD Helicopters.
“We’ve been looking at ways to help our customers future-proof their fleet and deliver next-generation operations,” said John “Jack” Harris, MD Helicopters director of public safety sales. “Foresight MX provides the data to improve readiness, enhance safety, lower maintenance costs, and dramatically improve the OEM support relationship. We’re glad to have it as the first successful HUMS solution on the MD530 platform.”
Following the MD530 STC, TVA will have Foresight MX installed on its fleet of helicopters that include Bell 429s and 407s, which it uses to inspect and service 16,300 miles of transmission lines.
Because the MD530 is heavily used for law enforcement, utility, and construction operations that typically require low and slow flight, performance, reliability, and safety are critical, according to GPMS president Jed Kalkstein. Unlike standard HUMS, Foresight MX’s capabilities offer aircraft performance and condition tracking such as flight data monitoring and analysis of the engine and vital components. “This equips operators with additional confidence in the capability and reliability of their aircraft to perform in these intricate operations,” Kalkstein added.
The system also provides rotor track and balancing solutions after each flight, as well as diagnostic and prognostic capabilities including detailed forecasts for the remaining useful life of trending components. GPMS also has Foresight MX STCs for the Bell 407 GX/GXP/GXi, 412/212, and the Airbus H125/AS350B3. The company has completed the system installation for the Mi-series helicopters and expects further STCs this year for the Airbus H135, AS350B2; Bell 206 and analog 407; and the Sikorsky Black Hawk.