Remote Intelligent Diagnostics for Electronic Systems (RIDES)

The remote intelligent diagnostics for electronic systems (RIDES) is a fusion of technologies developed by Impact Technologies, current USAF assets/infrastructure and COTS components. RIDES is a generic solution, configurable to any military or commercial air platform. The architecture as illustrated in Figure 1, is designed for maximum flexibility in its implementation either as: (1) roll-up maintenance aid with links to net-centric analysis access and expert support; (2) a minimal intrusive plug-in approach to the current platform configuration with wireless data logging and similar net-centric access; or as (3) designed-in integration platform upgrade having direct wireless links to the forward operating locations (FOL) support base and net-centric interface. By implementing each of above approaches in a staged process, minimum investment is made to each platform, while incrementally validating the necessary analysis and data depository failure data, to satisfy the condition-based maintenance (CBM) objectives. The latter being the most difficult to realize, specifically where non-referenced and unstructured failure input data creates ineffective CBM models and guidance to the FOL. The platform aids supplied by RIDES provides those defined data references, beginning with Step 1 minimum data set, that is further expanded with each stage to support greater maintenance effectiveness. To lessening development, Impact has built RIDES on proven analysis tools as well as data depository collection, correlation, and computer generated guidance, used currently by the Navy and Army branches.