Landing Gear Diagnostics and Prognostics

01

Structural Health Monitoring Systems

Since 2012, ES3 has been developing landing gear Structural Health Monitoring Systems (SHMS) in collaboration with the US Navy, US Air Force, commercial operators and an OEM. Today, ES3 has successfully tested our system on four fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms. We have performed qualification tests, completed flight test/certification on one aircraft, and delivered production units that are currently fielded and performing well on operational aircraft. The ES3 SHMS is custom configurable to provide and display such conditions as:

  • Aircraft/Rotorcraft Gross Weight
  • Aircraft/Rotocraft Balance
  • Conditioned Based Maintenance
    • Strut Servicing
    • Hard Landings
    • Brake Temperature Monitoring
    • Historical Data (via display or data output)

The ES3 SHMS requires no modification to the landing gear strut assemblies. It can be retrofit onto existing aircraft. The control unit has ARINC 429 output compatibility for transmitting information to an existing cockpit display.

A pilot's hand pressing a button on the ES3 SHMS central control unit display in an airliner cockpit, showing gross weight and gear loads

02

Airliner side view with the ES3 SHMS component locations
ES3 SHMS central control unit display showing gross weight and strut loads

Central Control Unit (CCU)

  • Integrated Display (Color or NVIS)
  • Diagnostic Unit
  • ARINC 429 Output
  • Built-in Test
  • Sortie Data Storage
  • High Reliability
ES3 servicing manifold assembly with its sensor cable

Servicing Manifold Assembly (SMA)

  • Integrates Schrader Valve
  • Hermetically Sealed Sensor
  • No Strut Modification Required
  • High Reliability
ES3 remote data concentrator

Remote Data Concentrator (RDC)

  • Size, Weight, & Power Optimized (0.65 lb)
  • Precise Sensor Data collection
  • High Speed Data Transmission
  • High Reliability
  • Sensor Expansion Capability

03

Accuracy and reliability proven by successful operational deployment

ES3 has successfully deployed an On-Board Weight and Balance System (OBWBS). The ES3 OBWBS has been operational for more than 4 years on a fleet of 15 heavy military rotorcraft. During that time, accuracy better than plus or minus 3% gross weight has been achieved and all Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) goals have been exceeded. The ES3 technology is not just a good concept; it is ready and proven. 

04

Environmental Qualification Testing Pedigree

Test DescriptionMilitary Testing MIL-STD-810*Commercial Testing RTCA/DO-160G
Altitude✓✓
Temperature✓✓
High Temp Diurnal✓
Temp Shock✓
Fluids✓✓
Solar Radiation✓
Rain✓
Humidity✓
Fungus✓
Salt Fog✓✓
Blowing Dust✓✓
Blowing Sand✓✓
Explosive Atmosphere✓✓
Immersion✓
Waterproofness✓
Acceleration✓
Vibration✓✓
Operational Shock✓
Crash Shock✓✓
Bench Handling✓✓
Transit Shock✓
Gunfire Vibration✓
Acoustic Noise✓
Decompression✓
Overpressure✓
Chemical Decontamination✓
Fire✓

*Testing performed to MIL-STD-810G and/or MIL-STD-810H, based on program requirements

05

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Qualification Testing Pedigree

Test CategoryTest SectionMilitary Testing
MIL-STD-461*		Commercial Testing
RTCA/DO-160G
Conducted EmissionsCE101✓
Conducted EmissionsCE102✓
Conducted SusceptibilityCS101✓
Conducted SusceptibilityCS114✓
Conducted SusceptibilityCS115✓
Conducted SusceptibilityCS116✓
Radiated EmissionsRE101✓
Radiated EmissionsRE102✓
Radiated SusceptibilityRS101✓
Radiated SusceptibilityRS103✓
Audio Frequency Conducted SusceptibilitySection 18✓
Induced Signal SusceptibilitySection 19✓
Radio Frequency SusceptibilitySection 20✓
Emission of RF EnergySection 21✓
Indirect Lightning StrikesSection 22
Direct Lightning StrikesSection 23✓
Electrostatic DischargeSection 25
Power QualityMIL-STD-704F✓

*Testing performed to MIL-STD-461F and/or MIL-STD-461G, based on program requirements

06

The ES3 Landing Gear SHMS team

Landing Gear SHMS Team

Connect with the Landing Gear Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) Team to learn more about SHMS, including Onboard Weight and Balance Systems (OBWBS), Brake Temperature Monitoring Systems (BTMS), Hard Landing Indicators, and/or Strut Servicing Status. Contact us at sales@es3inc.com.