Bell and PhotonFirst partner to advance fiber optic sensing for aircraft

Bell Textron Inc. and PhotonFirst Technologies B.V. signed a memorandum of understanding to explore and mature the use of fiber optic sensing technology for advanced structural health monitoring applications on Bell aircraft. This technology is being adopted as a next-generation sensing method for aircraft structural integrity monitoring. The collaboration will focus on integrating the technology into rotorcraft applications.

The optical sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference and can withstand high temperatures, simplifying installation and reducing cabling weight. The structural data generated could support a transition from scheduled inspections to condition-based and predictive maintenance, potentially helping customers reduce maintenance costs and increase fleet availability.