Carderock Team Harnesses Data Analytics to Dramatically Enhance Fleet Safety and Maintenance Efficiency

Carderock Team Harnesses Data Analytics to Dramatically Enhance Fleet Safety and Maintenance Efficiency

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. - A team within the Sea-Based Aviation and Aeromechanics Branch at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, has developed new ways to harness data analytics to improve aircraft maintenance, preventing costly malfunctions and enhancing operational safety.

As a result of their innovative efforts, the team received a Naval Architecture and Engineering Department Quarterly Award for their significant contributions to the safety and efficiency of U.S. Navy operations. The award recognizes their work supporting the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) line of effort focused on generating, capturing, and using data to drive innovation.

Comprising engineers, software developers, and a database administrator, the team provides data analytics and software products supporting naval rotorcraft and maritime platforms. Data-centric sustainment of these critical warfighting assets allows for improved efficiency by identifying and predicting required maintenance. This process reduces "false alarms" that can result in unnecessary and expensive repairs.

Parametric data files from each flight are collected and incorporated into a searchable database. The team works closely with the Navy's H-60 Fleet Support Team (FST) to develop analysis techniques to help identify anomalies and required maintenance actions, contributing to improved safety and warfighter readiness.

The team's work revolves around the analysis of inflight data using "Flightscope," the team's own data analysis and visualization software. A Flightscope Toughbook deploys with all MH-60 squadrons. The results of Flightscope analyses are used to assess aircraft conditions before flight and to communicate crucial information to the maintainers, such as mechanical malfunctions or calibration errors, that could lead to catastrophic mishaps if undetected. The team's primary goal is to generate these reports quickly after receiving data, ensuring that any significant issues are flagged before aircraft are deployed.

The reports play a key role in proactive maintenance, allowing engineers to address potential faults before they escalate. This proactive approach enables economic benefits through early

detection. Prevention of major malfunctions reduces the need for expensive component replacements and downtime.

In addition to safety and maintenance, the team's collective efforts have led to improvements in the operational efficiency of Navy aviation units. This commitment to excellence has resulted in reduced aircraft downtime and more reliable operations.

Dr. Judah Milgram, an engineer and Data Analytics Team lead who nominated the group for the award, noted that his role includes highlighting the team's accomplishments and advocating for recognition. He expressed pride in seeing the team receive acknowledgment for their hard work.

"It's so important to make sure that our team is recognized," Milgram said. "These are the people who go above and beyond to ensure the safety and efficiency of our helicopter operations and aircrews, and it's great to see their contributions being acknowledged."

Milgram also emphasized the value of the team's contractors, who play an integral role in supporting the engineering and technical efforts behind the Flightscope reports. Allen Lang, an engineer on the team, echoed this sentiment, stressing that contractor expertise is crucial to the group's success.

"They're an essential part of the team," Lang said. "Even though they're not always in the spotlight, their contributions are invaluable."

The team's collaboration and dedication reflect the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. As the Navy continues to rely on innovative solutions to enhance operational readiness, this team serves as an example of how the combined efforts of government employees and contractors can achieve remarkable results for the fleet.