On-board health and usage monitoring systems
Helitune develops on-board HUMS and vehicle health monitoring solutions for helicopters, helping operators monitor vibration, optimise maintenance activity and improve aircraft availability across demanding operational environments.
On-board health and usage monitoring solutions (HUMS)
Helitune develops on-board Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) and integrated vehicle health monitoring (IVHM) technologies for the wider helicopter community, including Search and Rescue (S&R), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Police, defence and VIP operations. Our focus is on delivering practical, operator-ready systems that reduce installation impact and cost while improving data quality, decision-making and aircraft availability.
HT-VHM on-board vehicle health monitoring
Developed with support from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Helitune’s on-board vehicle health monitoring solution (HT-VHM) introduces three key innovations:
- Lower installation cost and reduced integration effort. HT-VHM uses Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors and GPS technology to determine flight conditions without complex aircraft integration, while also delivering meaningful weight savings.
- Parallel data acquisition for faster, more complete monitoring. Conventional HUMS architectures can take minutes to capture all channels, increasing the risk of missing critical mechanical events. HT-VHM measures sensor data in parallel using high-speed 24-bit acquisition, supporting faster diagnostics, improved aircraft availability and reduced maintenance overhead.
- More insight than snapshot vibration data. Operators often need more than periodic vibration snapshots. HT-VHM supports continuous acquisition through a streaming architecture that records vibration data to high-speed memory, enabling deeper analysis and earlier detection of developing issues.
In-flight tuning for rotor vibration optimisation
In collaboration with ZF Luftfahrttechnik, Helitune has contributed to the development of an In-Flight Tuning (IFT) system for helicopter rotors. Vibration measurements are gathered continuously during flight while RTB adjustments are calculated and sent to Smart Pitch Rods (SPR). The SPRs dynamically adjust blade pitch to optimise vibration levels in hover and cruise. The programme applied rigorous design and validation processes, including demonstration of safety for complex electronics in accordance with DO-254. The IFT system developed for the CH-53 platform is currently undergoing flight trials in Germany.
Continuous vibration monitoring and rotor track and balance (CVM/RTB)
Jointly developed by SEA and Helitune under contract to AgustaWestland (AWHL) (Merlin IPT originated), CVM/RTB combines SEA’s recording architecture and Helitune’s RTB architecture on a common platform to enable continuous monitoring alongside RTB measurement and correction.
A CVM/RTB development unit has been fitted to a Royal Navy (RN) Merlin Mk1 aircraft at AgustaWestland, with encouraging early results from initial flight trials.
The equipment includes a permanent-fit camera (RT-TipTrak) and provides capabilities for structural vibration monitoring, RTB measurement and RTB correction.
Talk to Helitune
Have a technical question or need advice on your application? Our team will direct your enquiry to the right specialist.
Phone: +44 (0)1805 626 697
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Availability: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm (UK time)
