The demonstration is the latest example of using network centric capabilities to increase the effectiveness of an existing weapon system. By using an existing tactical data link aircrews can transmit data to base operations while in-flight.
Upon receipt, the ground station automatically routes the data to sea- or land-based operational maintenance centers. The data enables maintenance personnel to respond with parts and equipment as soon as the aircraft lands, decreasing aircraft turnaround times.
"Maintenance data downlink transforms maintenance. Because maintenance crews receive the data before the aircraft lands, they can be ready and waiting with the right support equipment, the right part, and the right technical data to quickly return the aircraft to flight status.
No hardware or structural changes are required as the enhanced maintenance capability is provided by software changes to the aircraft and ground equipment. The software-only nature of this change allows this capability to be easily transitioned to the operational fleet.
Demos were conducted to validate emerging technology for the warfighter. Navy continues to explore and demonstrate technologies that will result in greater connectivity, enhanced situational awareness and fleet readiness.
The operation of Navy vessels is complex, with hundreds of sailors performing thousands of tasks related to the maintenance and logistics associated with keeping systems running properly.
A ship is a dynamic environment, requiring the ability to access critical data regarding ship operations while moving about the ship, or in harsh environments, such as an engine room.
Historically, sailors would move about the ship recording data manually into notebooks and then returning to the chief engineering office to enter the data into the official Ship Engineering Log or, if available, into the Integrated Condition Assessment System ICAS..
This process engages a large number of staff in manual and routine monitoring. There was also a significant time lapse that would occur between the time data was recorded into the system and when the data was acted upon, should maintenance be required.
Navy designed a secure wireless local area network WLAN that allowed for communication in the engineering spaces of the ship while in port or when sailing. The network included the installation of sensors on critical systems to allow for the transmission of data over a wireless network to ICAS in real time.
The chief engineering officer could immediately identify equipment problems and communicate with maintenance personnel to implement corrective action quickly. The solution called for pre-wiring sensors into local data acquisition devices, which communicated wirelessly to a WLAN to send the sensor data to ICAS.
The local data acquisition boxes have the ability to support a range of sensor types, including vibration, RTD, thermocouple, smart sensors, and legacy analog sensors. For equipment that could not be sensorized,
Navy developed a wireless client for Pocket System that could be carried by a sailor and used to record local gauge readings and send the information back to ICAS over the WLAN while moving about the ship.
This solution has been deployed on several Navy ships to support the test and evaluation of the concept. This solution is highly flexible and scalable to a wide variety of military fleet components.
Automated Maintenance Environment Products include: Wireless LAN-Enabled Data Acquisition System, Access Point / Bridge with USB for Sensor Networks, Outdoor Dual Radio Wireless Mesh Node, Outdoor Wireless Interface, Security Server and Cryptographic Client Software
A secure WLAN solution has been deployed on several Navy ships, The solution helps streamline ship maintenance activities.
A secure wireless network helps Navy utilize its personnel more effectively, while improving shipboard maintenance and damage control. The solution saves valuable sailor time, results in a lighter workload, requires fewer personnel to perform routine monitoring of equipment for maintenance purposes, and allows for more time to focus on warfighting.
Since the data is transmitted in real time, personnel are able to respond to maintenance situations faster, potentially preventing more intensive equipment repairs and reducing the overall maintenance and logistics burden.
The solution keeps critical and sensitive information secure, as the equipment meets security standards. The Navy also benefits because no disruptive and costly wired construction is required on board the ship
Good communications skills required for interaction with agencies, contractors, and parallel organizational test leads and briefing test status to Program Leadership.
1. Experience with Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) and /or Automated Maintenance Equipment (FAME) System
2. Researches, identifies and resolves customer supply support system inventory discrepancies.
3. Investigates total platform vehicle demand management, replenishment and electronic data systems.
4. Monitors logistics system performance.
5. Solicits customer feedback and takes action to improve satisfaction with company services.
6. Training end-users in both OJT and class room environments
7. Monitoring FAME database integrity and configuration management
8. Monitor database integrity and configuration.
9. Perform system testing, troubleshooting and fleet training as required.
10. Train personnel on proper use of the F/A-18 Automated Maintenance Environment (FAME).
11. Coordinate activity maintenance reporting requirements
12. Monitor and provide feedback on the technical aspects of the program including the systems architecture, system interfaces, associated technical performance measures, and logistics elements contained within FAME.
13. Provide user training at all FAME activities, including informal, over-the-shoulder, and annual classroom refresher training for all squadrons to include logs and records (AZ) training.
14. Support the identification, analysis, and tracking of trouble reports though the use of the FAME help desk and/or Virtual Electronic Correspondence Tracking and Online Reporting VECTOR application.
15. Knowledge of responsibilities and tasks performed by various Logistics/Engineering departments/disciplines e.g., design, test, software, technology, avionics, LSA, Provisioning, Technical Publications
16. Able to operate with deployed and CONUS based military operations centers and field based commands.
17. Knowledge and/or experience with F/A-18 and/or Navy Flight Operations / Maintenance is preferred.
18. Knowledge of the interaction between departments/disciplines and how their products/processes affect one another and impact non-engineering processes e.g., Operations and Business
19. Strong knowledge of process improvement, and installations of integrated systems of people, materials, equipment, and methods.
20. Knowledge of network communication concepts, principles and architectures, associated with network planning, design, integration and maintenance.
21. Working knowledge of performance monitoring and diagnostic analysis
22. Knowledge of fleet aviation operations & maintenance processes, policies and standard practices to effectively represent the operator
23. Operate with deployed and CONUS based military operations centers and field based commands.
24. Management and sustainment of all aircraft logbooks, aeronautical equipment service records, aircraft maintenance files, records and reports, directives and correspondence in an aircraft maintenance and operations environment
25. Utilize the current management information systems to maintain aircraft forms and records as required by customer.
26. Draft and submit aircraft/engine management and Inventory Reporting System reports in a timely manner
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27. Process readiness documents, administer the aircraft configuration status accounting program and verify aircraft utilization reports.
28. Monitor aircraft configuration status, weight and balance and aircraft inventory data for accuracy.
29. Initiate and distribute applicable maintenance forms in accordance with established procedures.
30. Monitor, verify and log Support Equipment Custody records, Aviation Armament Equipment, aircraft inventory records and Technical Directives as applicable.
31. Comply with all established general and industrial safety rules and regulations as applicable to the contract, facility and job assignment.
32. Ability to meet required scheduling deadlines and maintain necessary work flow.
33. Thorough knowledge of aircraft log books, maintenance records, applicable maintenance / technical manuals, publications and forms.
34. High degree of knowledge in computer operation and keypunch skills.
35. Maintain aircraft log books, aeronautical equipment service records and associated logs.
36. Manages field office resources.
37. Capturing and documenting new user requirements
38. Provide FAME technical support
39. Provide PM required reports and attend weekly conference calls.
40. Recommend changes to maintenance policies and procedures.
41. Ensure customer satisfaction, always keeping the user informed at all times.
42. Knowledge of F/A-18 Automated Maintenance Environment (FAME)
43. Navy and Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI)
44. Optimized Organizational Maintenance Activity (OOMA)
45. Knowledge of database management tools and /or operating systems protocols.
46. As required by work and customer specifications. May require travel in support of detachments of unknown duration.
47. Operate in austere environments and be physically separated from personnel.
48. Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment and under stressful conditions is essential.
49. Assist in preparation of the Monthly Maintenance Plan.Provide technical assistance, guidance and instruction as required.
50.Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment and under stressful conditions is essential.