Structural Monitoring Systems (SMS) has agreed a commercial licence with Boeing for its comparative vacuum monitoring (CVM) technology.
The agreement is the latest stage in commercialising the Australian company’s technology, which detects and monitors structural integrity through the use of an inert sensor adhered to the aircraft or embedded in the fuselage, a vacuum source to apply and control a low vacuum, and a fluid flow measuring device. The sensor can detect sub-1mm (0.03in) cracks in metal surfaces, measure the crack, monitor bonded surfaces and the state of bonded joints, and measure crack initiation and propagation.
The Boeing deal follows an agreement earlier this year with Airbus to develop a CVM-based system for all Airbus aircraft (Flight International, 14-20 June).The agreement with Boeing establishes commercial terms and Boeing access rights to allow CVM to be manufactured, certificated, sold and distributed to Boeing aircraft operators.
Perth-based SMS has been working with Boeing, the US Federal Aviation Administration, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines for some time to have CVM technology qualified, which is expected in the second half of 2006.
Source: Flight International
