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FBW09 CANEUS Workshop

Dr. Robert S. Walker, Assistant Deputy Minister (Science & Technology) Department of National Defence and Chief Executive Officer Defence R&D Canada.

June 22, 2009 – Montreal –The CANEUS “Fly-by-Wireless” (FBW) Consortium, an international forum promoting the advancement of a broad range of wireless technologies for use by the global aerospace industry, is pleased to announce the launch of four new projects for the sustainment of wireless technologies for aerospace applications.

International representatives of aerospace industry stakeholders, including new technology developers, solution providers, end-users, and funding organizations, met at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on June 8-10, 2009 to gain a clear understanding of end-user/customer needs, their desired initial applications, and their idea of potential solutions; as well as technology providers who are developing new and cutting edge FBW technologies. The workshop culminated in measurable deliverables, namely a set of four projects with significant mutual benefits and high funding potential.

These four projects include:

• Aerospace Safety Enhancements at Core of Four Projects Selected by the CANEUS Fly-by-Wireless Consortium
• FBW09
• Caneus
• Fly-by-Wireless Workshop 2009

Wireless passive acoustic emission sensors for structural and spacecraft health monitoring will be developed by the Wi-SENSE Project Consortium as part of the CANEUS FBW Consortia. The success of this project will lead to simplification of the testing process, enhanced accuracy of test results, and reduced test time for larger surface areas.

Wi-SENSE aims to address the need for passive wireless thermal, acceleration, and acoustic emission sensors for structural health monitoring. This includes the distribution of sensor networks and the necessity for large quantities of sensors for testing and monitoring large structures.

The proposed technologies involved include: Passive Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) wireless interface devices, Carbon nano tube piezo sensor for acoustic detection up to the ultrasonic range, Conformal antenna deposition compatible with ultrasonic frequency, Low power data transmission and Wave propagation in Complex structures.

The proposed team to lead the Wi-SENSE project consortium consists of NASA LaRC, Flight Research Laboratory IAR-NRC, ASR&D Corp, GE Global Research, Bell Hellicopter, McGill University, University of Liverpool, CNM-Spain, University of Sherbrooke and University of Arizona. Other stakeholders will include potential customers such as ESA, Boeing and EADS; integrators and solution providers from the Americas, Europe, Brazil and Japan.

Karim Allidina (left) winner of the CANEUS Student Poster Contest ($500 Prize), and presenter Dr. Fassi Kafyeke, Bombardier Aerospace Strategic and Technology Director (right). Isabel Valenta, CANEUS International (far left) and Peter Eggleton, TELLIGENCE Group (far back).

A second project, “Wi- ISHM” by the Wi-SENSE consortium will focus on the in-situ SHM of thick laminate composite structures. This project will seek to ameliorate the structural health monitoring of the main fuselage and/or the main structure.

Wireless testbeds to evaluate protocols for critical communications with airborne applications, will be developed by the Wi-TESTBED Project Consortium as part of the CANEUS FBW Consortia.

Wi-TESTBED aims to implement a wireless testbed to evaluate the most appropriate protocol for critical communications with airborne applications; ID key performance nodes, and Resistance to EMI/EMP/HIRF.

Wi-TESTBED project will address the testing needs such as the robustness of systems (ie. hacking, security); interference between planes (equipment, personal devices); environmental (external, high altitude reliability); performance, power, protection of critical nodes; static and dynamic testing; and certification testing (encryption, etc). The proposed team to lead the Wi-TESTBED project consortium consists of Ridgetop Group, Bombardier Aerospace, Hydro Quebec, FRL – NRC, École Polytechnique de Montreal, University of Toronto, York University and solution providers.

Wireless Sensor System for Engine Monitoring will be developed by the Wi-ENGINE Project Consortium as part of the CANEUS FBW Consortia.

The aim of the Wi-ENGINE project is to replace the wiring harness and sensors currently used for engine monitoring with a wireless system that reduces the wire, wire connectors, wire holds, weight, component volume, system cost and maintenance cost. Through the implementation of a wireless system, the reliability and manufacturability will also be improved.

The project will deal with ground testing of turbine engines, engine temperature, pressure sensing, flow, speed and active inlet. The proposed team to lead the Wi-ENGINE project consortium consists of McGill, NASA LaRC, Pratt & Whitney Canada, LMCO Skunworks, University of Central Florida, ASR&D Corp., University of Maine, University of Sherbrooke, and MEMS Vision Inc.

The four projects are led by:

• Wi-SENSE: 1. David Russel, Group Leader, Electronics and Flight Instrumentation, Institute for Aerospace Research, National Research Council Canada
• Wi- ISHM: 2. William (Cy) Wilson, NASA Langley Research Center
• Wi-TESTBED: 3. Douglas Goodman, CEO, Ridgetop Group Inc.
• Wi-ENGINE: 4. Mourad El-Gamal, McGill University & Founder, MEMS Vision Inc., Montreal
• ISHM

The CANEUS “Fly-by-Wireless” Consortium is the steward of the aerospace industry’s strategic and technology roadmap for wireless technologies. The CANEUS “Fly-by-Wireless” Consortium has established a collaborative environment wherein resources from member organizations are pooled to focus on high-risk, high-cost initiatives aimed at accelerating the infusion of emerging wireless technologies into aerospace applications and promote intra-project coordination. In summary, the CANEUS “Fly-by-Wireless” Consortium, with a strong participation by worldwide end-users, has established a robust supply chain to sustain the entire technology development pipeline. The Consortium also acts as the broker for licensing intellectual property jointly developed by its collaborative consortia. System integration efforts focus on the development of the appropriate supply chain organizations.

Contact:
Milind Pimprikar
Chairman & Founder, CANEUS International
milind.pimprikar@caneus.org
Isabel Valenta
Communications Assistant, CANEUS International
isabel@caneus.org
Tel: (514) 499-3959
Fax: (514) 907-6199
1425 Rene Levesque Blvd. # 404,
Montreal QC Canada H3G1T7