Rolls-Royce develops app to help cut engine damage
Derby maufacturer Rolls-Royce has developed an app which will allow users to track and record foreign object debris (FOD), a common cause of engine damage, straight from their smart phone.
The first-of-a-kind research contract, awarded by the United States Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and funded by the US Marine Corps, will help to avoid future FOD costs, says Rolls-Royce – potentially amounting to billions of dollars.
Rolls-Royce says the app enables Marines to report FOD found across their sites more quickly and efficiently. Using a smart phone, users will be able to scan objects to capture high quality imagery, accurate GPS location and size which are then sent for analysis in a central database – moving the right data to the right user at the right time.
Paul Craig, president of defence services at Rolls-Royce said: “This is a first for our business and demonstrates our ability to develop pioneering technologies that will enhance safety, efficiency and deliver a cultural change for our customers. Our focus on FOD and our customers doesn’t stop for a moment and this milestone not only demonstrates the value of the App itself but provides a platform for us to springboard into other services.”
Developed at Rolls-Royce, the new FOD App is the first of its kind to be bought by NAVAIR.
Jonathan Sides, senior design Engineer, United States Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division says: “Foreign object damage, or FOD, is a top removal driver for naval aviation, costing the enterprise over $100 million per year. The introduction of the Rolls-Royce FOD app to aid maintainers, inform decisions, and reduce workload is a critical step forward in the Navy’s collaborative strategy toward eliminating FOD.”
Rolls-Royce Defence has teamed up with Calvium, a digital technology agency based in Bristol, to deliver the FOD App into USMC operations.
Jo Reid, managing director, says: “Calvium are proud to have co-created this innovative digital app, which improves FOD operations for Rolls-Royce’s customers. We are excited to continue to aid the Rolls-Royce mission to tap into the disruptive potential of digital technologies and create the solutions of tomorrow.”
NAVAIR supports the United States Marine Corps across a range of capabilities and functions. The FOD App will be configured for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
