[Legacy Report] Wireless Rotor Data Acquisition System (WR-DAS)

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Flight test data acquisition systems have been widely deployed in helicopter certification programs for a few
decades. A data acquisition system uses a series of strategically placed sensors to provide instantaneous status
condition of the helicopter’s components and structure. However, until recently, it has been difficult to collect
flight test data from helicopter rotors in motion. Traditional rotor solutions have used slip rings to electrically
connect fixed and rotating mechanical elements; but slip rings are inconvenient to use, prone to wear, and
notoriously unreliable.
A Wireless Rotor Data Acquisition System (WR-DAS), which has been developed by L-3 Communications
Telemetry East (L-3 TE), provides a novel solution to deal with these issues and deliver convenient, reliable and
full-featured data collection capability. WR-DAS consists of three separate functional subsystems: the Data
Acquisition System (DAS), Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) Radio and Power Supply (PS) subsystems. It
may be used in stand-alone configuration with built-in solid state recording capability, or fully integrated and
synchronized with the rotorcraft’s main data acquisition system. The PS subsystem generates power for
maintaining internal system operation, and removes the need for complex slip ring installation.
The WR-DAS employs revolutionary Mesh MANET wireless technology that solves many of the problems
associated with the traditional wireless technologies, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, when subjected to multicast
network data and motion. The MANET subsystem operates as a seamless layer 2 device allowing for true plugand play capability while bridging devices and networks. Various frequency bands are available with RF
power levels up to 600 milliwatts. Data throughput of up to 30 Mbit/sec provides the ability to transmit high
speed data sources including full motion video. The rotor installation can also include its own GPS time
source, allowing precise time synchronization with data collected elsewhere in the aircraft.
Dr. Rob Holland has served as Vice President of Engineering of L-3 Telemetry-East since September 2009. Prior to joining L-3 Telemetry-East in 2009, Dr. Holland has a 25-year career in engineering in defense and commercial communication firms. He served as Vice President of Product Development at Ulticom, Chief Engineer and Director at
L-3 Communications Systems East, as well as numerous technical and management positions of increasing responsibility.Dr. Holland holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University, a Master’s of
Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University, a Master’s of Science degree in System Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Holland was involved in the US Space Station program from its inception, contributed to the US Space Shuttle Program, and worked on a number of secure voice/data wireline and wireless equipment programs in both commercial and government programs. He has authored numerous technical publications and has served as a visiting scholar at Villanova University as well as an adjunct professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

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