China3D printingNet, May 25, the US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) will work with the National Institute of Aeronautics (NIAR) of Wichita State University to create a comprehensive virtual 3D model of the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter.By completely dismantling the helicopter’s fuselage and components, researchers will be able to perform3D scanningTo create a “digital twin” of transport aircraft.Ultimately, once the digital parts catalog is complete, the US Army hopes that3D printingSome more niche parts, these parts are now difficult to purchase in 2020.
Major General Todd Royar, commander of AMCOM, said: We welcome the establishment of a new partnership with Wichita State University and at the same time strengthen existing cooperation with Army Aviation Corporation. “
U.S. Army Black Hawk. The picture is from Lockheed Martin.
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
The UH-60 has been in service since 1979, when it replaced the UH-1 Iroquois (aka Huey). The first UH-60 model was called Alpha, but later, newer, more advanced models-Lima and Mike models were developed and introduced. But these models have been discontinued for 15 years, and some of the parts were designed 40 years ago. WSU’s digital twin technology will allow researchers to add to the manufacturing of some of these parts that have been discontinued for decades.
According to China3D printingThe net understands that additive technology can produce parts in small batches. This can reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Surprisingly, the Army often relies on a single source of supply for its vehicle components. Naturally, this can cause supply chain problems, and obtaining certain parts can be very difficult. Potential other manufacturers usually only have 2D engineering drawings as the basis of their tools, and have made many changes and upgrades to parts over the years, so interpretation and production of parts can be cumbersome. The original manufacturer Sikorsky will assist in the project to help convert all old 2D engineering drawings into 3D models.
Rayor explained: “Some low-usage or small-volume parts have not received any bids from suppliers. When we need these parts, we need the opportunity to put them into the system quickly, instead of now sometimes it takes two years. More time.”
Black Hawk helicopter. The picture is from Lockheed Martin.
Future framework
For the past 15 years, WSU has been dismantling vehicles for the Army and will continue to do so in the future. The researchers plan to implement robotics and machine learning techniques to improve the repair time of specific parts that pose the greatest readiness risk to the armed forces. To ensure that the digital twin aircraft can support future airworthiness activities, AMCOM will use drawings, structural reports and physical inspections to evaluate the airworthiness of each modification of the “Black Hawk” in a rolling manner.
Douglas Denno, the project leader of the digital twin work, explained: “Digital twins provide a significant opportunity to improve the efficiency of airworthiness assessments and the potential to simplify assessments and modifications from the perspective of installation and maintenance. This is a time. An exciting opportunity to bring these key elements of Army Utilities’ technical data into the digital age.”
Washington State University campus. Filmed by WSU.
The armed forces have begun to truly regard additive manufacturing as a viable production method.The metal collaborative additive manufacturing program between the Air Force and General Electric has just passed3D printingThe oil sump cover of the F110 jet engine has reached its first technical milestone, and the oil sump is used in both F110 and F-16 aircraft. Just like the Black Hawk project, General Electric’s work aims to improve military readiness and reduce risks in the supply chain of turbofan engine spare parts.Elsewhere, the Air Force has adopted3D printingTo produce weapons and ammunition made of high-performance AF-9628 steel.
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