NASA technology helping military airctaft remain in top condition

For Release: Nov. 12 , 2004



Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Phone: (321/867-2468)



KSC Release: 87-04



NASA TECHNOLOGY HELPING MILITARY AIRCRAFT REMAIN IN TOP CONDITION



A device invented by NASA experts is helping technicians detect wiring
problems dramatically faster on aircraft, including those used by the U.S.
military in Afghanistan. The portable Standing Wave Reflectometer (SWR) was
created by engineers at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.



The device, developed in 1997 to better identify cable and wire malfunctions
in aircraft and spacecraft, finds suspected problems to verify conditions of
electrical power and signal distribution. This includes locating problems
inside Space Shuttle orbiters.



"One of its first applications at KSC was detecting intermittent wire
failures in a cable used in the Space Shuttle's Solid Rocket Boosters," said
Pedro Medelius, who helped to invent the SWR. "It has also been used in the
orbiter to locate electrical shorts in cables."



By identifying and locating the malfunction, technicians hope the SWR will
reduce the time it takes to detect wiring problems by 85 percent. Currently,
the SWR accurately locates faults 75 percent of the time.



Currently, the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force are evaluating the
technology in Afghanistan to test its ruggedness. The country is known for
a fine grade of sand and dusty conditions, a taxing combination rarely found
in the United States.



Eclypse International Corp. in Corona, Calif., obtained exclusive patent
rights in 1999 to further develop the technology. They anticipate completing
enhancements within two years.



The device features an alphanumeric and illuminated display, an eight-hour
rechargeable battery, and auto shut-off. It also resists force, fluids and
extreme weather.



Those utilizing the SWR include repair facilities certified by the Federal
Aviation Administration, commercial aircraft manufacturers and operators,
the U.S. Department of Energy, rail operators and elevator maintenance
companies.



Note to Editors: Pedro Medelius is available for interviews concerning the
Standing Wave Reflectometer.



For more information on NASA's Technology and Technology Transfer programs
on the Internet, visit:



http://nctn.hq.nasa.gov/



For more information about other NASA programs on the Internet, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov



-end-


--
---------------------------

Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info