The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is installing GPMS International’s Foresight MX health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) in its fleet of Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters.
The Black Hawks were transferred to the NSW RFS by Australia’s Department of Defence and they are used for aerial firefighting and emergency service. Areas covered by the NSW RFS include more than 800,600 sq km (309,000 sq m) of New South Wales “in one of the most fire-prone areas on earth,” according to GPMS.
Adding Foresight MX HUMS to the Black Hawks gives the NSW RFS access to predictive aircraft and engine health, flight data, and exceedance monitoring as well as integrated rotor system track and balance features.
“Equipping our Black Hawks with Foresight MX marries innovation and safety together,” said a NSW RFS spokesman. “The advanced remote monitoring will give our crews detailed insight into the health of the aircraft, no matter where they’re located, and ensure we’re flying safely and smoothly. This will allow us to better respond and support firefighting and emergency operations across the state."