GE Aviation supports adoption of WiTNESSS with its wireless sensor technology

GE Aviation is to develop wireless data gathering and transmission technology for aircraft applications in support of the WiTNESSS (WIreless Technologies for Novel Enhancement of Systems and Structures Serviceability) initiative. Data transfer is essential for many aircraft health monitoring and test instrumentation applications on fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and engine test beds. The potential advantages of transferring the data wirelessly, for these applications, are many and include: a significant weight saving; simplified integration (as there are no wires/cables to route); and easier access to the data. Conversely, the absence of flight-critical data in these applications makes them an ideal proving ground for wireless technology.