Leonardo, Italian Air Force, Turin Polytechnic University launch Collaborative Digital Platform development activities
The Italian Air Force held a first practical demonstration of the Collaborative Digital Platform through a maintenance operation on C-27J aircraft. |
| Collaborative Digital Platform demo at the Italian Air Force Reparto Sperimentale Volo (Flight Experimental Unit). |
Following the collaboration agreement recently signed between Leonardo Aircraft Division, Italian Air Force and Turin Polytechnic University, the first development, integration and testing activities of the Collaborative Digital Platform were launched. This platform was conceived to provide, in a highly immersive and "on demand" mode, new learning tools and a high level of support in the field during activities in operational theaters and in "mission critical" contexts.
On April 27, the Italian Air Force organized an event at the Reparto Sprimentale Volo (Flight Experimental Unit) to provide a practical demonstration of the “remote” technical support capacity to an operator called upon to carry out maintenance activities in operational theater. The demonstration involved a C-27J aircraft which really needed to receive technical assistance following a mission abroad. The activity made it possible to verify the effective capacity of the Collaborative Digital Platform in guaranteeing rapid access to the information essential to solve the technical problem and ensure a safe return to service of the aircraft, reducing downtime (Aircraft On Ground) and maintenance costs.
Through the Collaborative Digital Platform, the "in-the-field" operator was able to connect both with the Main Operating Base (ITAF 46th Air Brigade) and with the Training Center of the Leonardo Aircraft Division, receiving real-time support to solve the problem that occurred at the aircraft during the taxiing phase. The intervention was carried out to remedy the damage to the main landing gear and the explosion of a tire. The operator was supported by the combined ITAF/Leonardo team in managing and solving the atypical maintenance intervention by operating "hands-free" and simultaneously transmitting and receiving information in "real time" through the use of smart glasses.
On April 27, the Italian Air Force organized an event at the Reparto Sprimentale Volo (Flight Experimental Unit) to provide a practical demonstration of the “remote” technical support capacity to an operator called upon to carry out maintenance activities in operational theater. The demonstration involved a C-27J aircraft which really needed to receive technical assistance following a mission abroad. The activity made it possible to verify the effective capacity of the Collaborative Digital Platform in guaranteeing rapid access to the information essential to solve the technical problem and ensure a safe return to service of the aircraft, reducing downtime (Aircraft On Ground) and maintenance costs.
Through the Collaborative Digital Platform, the "in-the-field" operator was able to connect both with the Main Operating Base (ITAF 46th Air Brigade) and with the Training Center of the Leonardo Aircraft Division, receiving real-time support to solve the problem that occurred at the aircraft during the taxiing phase. The intervention was carried out to remedy the damage to the main landing gear and the explosion of a tire. The operator was supported by the combined ITAF/Leonardo team in managing and solving the atypical maintenance intervention by operating "hands-free" and simultaneously transmitting and receiving information in "real time" through the use of smart glasses.
The event was attended by General Giovanni Fantuzzi, Logistic Commander, General Mauro Lunardi, Commander of the Aeronautics and Space Experimentation Air Division (DASAS), Brigadier General Cristiano Bandini, Commander of the 2nd Logistic Command Division and General Maurizio Cantiello, Chief of Staff of the Logistic Command, together with representatives of the Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA).
At the end of the activity, General Fantuzzi expressed his appreciation for the project, already effective from the initial phase, asking all the actors involved to continue the development in order to introduce an effective modern, efficient and technologically advanced info-logistics system.
The project, whose goal is to accelerate the "digital transformation" of the activities and technical processes related to logistical support, will be developed in accordance with a roadmap that includes the following steps:
- Supported Reality (introduction of mobile & wearable technologies, basic configuration for the connection between operator/student in the field and support center);
- Integrated Supported Reality (integration of the platform with the document system, digitalized management of the maintenance process and of the in-service support data);
- Augmented Reality (integration of virtual reality content into the platform in order to increase the information content to support technical intervention and/or on-field training activities);
- Smart Maintenance (use of the platform for the development and progressive integration of artificial intelligence tools aimed at continuously improving the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance operations).
At the end of the activity, General Fantuzzi expressed his appreciation for the project, already effective from the initial phase, asking all the actors involved to continue the development in order to introduce an effective modern, efficient and technologically advanced info-logistics system.
The project, whose goal is to accelerate the "digital transformation" of the activities and technical processes related to logistical support, will be developed in accordance with a roadmap that includes the following steps:
- Supported Reality (introduction of mobile & wearable technologies, basic configuration for the connection between operator/student in the field and support center);
- Integrated Supported Reality (integration of the platform with the document system, digitalized management of the maintenance process and of the in-service support data);
- Augmented Reality (integration of virtual reality content into the platform in order to increase the information content to support technical intervention and/or on-field training activities);
- Smart Maintenance (use of the platform for the development and progressive integration of artificial intelligence tools aimed at continuously improving the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance operations).
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Source, Images: Italian Air Force
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