The AMCOM Corrosion Program Management Office is currently conducting an aircraft rinsing project which utilizes on-board Cumulative Environmental Corrosivity (CEC) Sensors.  At the time of this writing, 216 CEC Sensors have been installed onto selected AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and UH-60 Blackhawk Army helicopters.  Preliminary findings will be discussed in this paper. 

The installation location of the CEC Sensors on the respective aircraft models was based upon input from the AMRDEC Maintenance Engineering Division at the Corpus Christi Army Depot. The Maintenance Engineering Division manages the Army Aviation’s Airframe Condition Evaluation (ACE) Program. This ACE Program has gathered historical data regarding corrosion “hot spots” on each of the aircraft models. The corrosion hot spot information was key to the CEC placement on the aircraft models.

The CEC Sensor weighs less than 1 OZ (20 grams) and its physical dimensions are .060 in thick X 1 in X 3 in (credit card size).  The sensor is comprised of FR4 plastic (printed circuit board material), copper traces, and epoxy coating.  There is no on-board power and no signal emitted from the sensor.

Data is gathered by periodic, manual, power and interrogation of the sensor utilizing test equipment which measures amplification and signal conditioning.  The measuring device is sealed in an Aluminum case and powered by a 9 volt DC battery.  The measuring device has two connectors for sensor and power connections.  The measuring device is a 9 volt mA and below minimum value for arcing.

There are many possible applications for on-board CEC sensors on in the evaluation of the corrosivity of the environment in which Army Helicopters are stationed and operated.  These sensors are being used to gather valuable data for comparison purposes regarding aircraft rinsing and washing operations.  Other plans are being considered for evaluation of corrosion preventive compound applications and potential applications in support of Condition Based Maintenance of these aircraft.