U.S. Army Aviation Selects GE for Integrated Corrosion Monitoring Solution

Grand Rapids, MI -- GE Aviation was selected by the US Army to partner with Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) to research, develop and apply the technology behind an integrated corrosion health monitoring system (I-CHMS) for rotorcraft fleets. The contract is valued at $2 million and will cover a 2-year span of rotorcraft research and monitoring. 

"GE's research is targeted at applying the latest technology to deliver significant monetary and readiness gains within the U.S. Army's rotorcraft fleets," said Stuart Mullan, president, Military Business unit of GE Aviation Systems. "GE has recorded and analyzed in excess of 2 million health usage monitoring systems flight hours of data from more than 500 in-service military and commercial helicopters. This accumulated knowledge and experience enables customers to receive support and advice from GE's diagnostic experts to maximize the system benefit." 

GE's team includes Luna Innovations Incorporated due to the concurrent work they are executing in corrosion detection science and management. Luna is a three-time recipient of the Tibbetts Award which is given annually to those companies judged to best exemplify the philosophy and doctrine of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. 

The research activity is focused on eliminating costly inspections and providing safety and operational readiness benefit to the US Army's rotorcraft fleets. The Army is looking to reduce maintenance cost of corrosion within its fleet estimated at $1.28 billion per year. 

The research is being performed by GE facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Southampton, UK. 

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines and components as well as integrated systems and product solutions for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company.