A Crack-Suckling Breakthrough Called CVM

After a two-year validation program by the US Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, several US airlines and two US universities, PERTH-based Structural Monitoring Systems (SMS) has been approved by US manufacturer Boeing for its Comparative Vacuum Monitoring technology for use in its aircraft worldwide. CVM technology is now available to be used as a validated means of performing some types of in-situ integrity inspections on Boeing aircraft, to address crack detection inspections in future service bulletins and as an alternative means of compliance for existing inspections. SMS says the technology will reduce airframe maintenance and inspection costs by 35 per cent. With a typical ageing, narrow-body airliner attracting costs of $750,000 a year for airframe structural maintenance, this can deliver savings of up to $250,000 per plane.

Airbus and the company also expect to enter into licensing agreements later this year, following on from a two year joint development agreement with the European manufacturer. Airbus interest is primarily in an in-flight structural health monitoring system. CVM is intended for use on both new build and existing airplanes.

CVM was developed after a 1968 aviation disaster that saw 26 people die when a MacRobertson Miller Airlines Vickers Viscount crashed near Port Hedland in Western Australia. That accident was caused by an undetected crack caused by a maintenance method error. ASW first reported on the emerging technology in its 18 July 2005 issue (3 pages starting at this link).