Tue, Oct 04, 2005
'Smart Labels' Will Aid Timely Replacement Of Parts
Boeing announced plans to introduce radio frequency
identification (RFID) "smart labels" on maintenance-significant
parts of the 787 Dreamliner. The manufacturer expects the use of
passive RFID technology will help airlines reduce costs, by
managing part maintenance and repair histories.
"Boeing customers are eager to take advantage of automated
identification technology, especially the capabilities and benefits
of RFID," said Mike Bair, 787 vice president and general manager.
"Introducing this advancement on our newest airplane makes good
sense."
RFID is an automated identification technology that uses radio
frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and items that
have RFID devices affixed. The "smart labels" contain a microchip
and antenna and operate at internationally recognized standard
frequencies. Similar to a bar code, the RFID tag stores data but
offers enhanced data collection and significant advantages such as
being able to read without a direct view of the RFID label and a
dynamic read/write capability.
Boeing plans for the tags to contain unique identification as
well as maintenance and inspection data. Typical Dreamliner parts
to incorporate RFID smart labels will be line replaceable units
(LRUs) and life-limited parts, as well as on-board emergency
equipment.
The RFID labels will be
applied during the manufacturing process, prior to delivering the
airplane to airlines.
In response to the expected widespread use of the new
technology, in May 2005 the FAA published RFID policy which states
that passive RFIDs -- transponders that do not have a dedicated
power supply, but instead derive their operating power from the
reader -- pose no safety risk and are acceptable for use on civil
aircraft under specified conditions.
Boeing has completed two successful in-service evaluations of
passive RFID smart labels on a FedEx MD-10 Freighter. The tests
showed that passive RFID devices do not adversely affect the
simultaneous operation of any aircraft systems or interfere with
continued safety of flight.
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