Fatigue Meter for Fighter Aircraft

Title of the Requirement: Indigenization of Fatigue Meter for Fighter Aircraft

Technology Area: Instrumentation

Objective: To indigenize the fatigue meter of the Fighter aircraft and to improve the display
by replacing the electromechanical dials with a digital display.

Description:

The fatigue meter is an independent system, comprising of an accelerometer incorporating a

switching system to give eight acceleration threshold pick-offs and eight relays and counters
to record the counts of acceleration levels exceeded in flight. The fatigue meter is mounted
vertically in the port main undercarriage compartment of the Fighter aircraft and is secured to
the roof with four bolts.

The function of the counting accelerometer is to measure and record the number of times
eight predetermined acceleration threshold values are exceeded during flight. When the
accelerometer mass is subjected to positive or negative 'g' caused by air turbulence or aircraft
loading during maneuvers, the mass moves from Its normal 1 'g' position up or down with
respect to the fatigue Meter. This movement is transmitted to one of eight counters, through a
series of springs, linkages, wipe arms and relays to record the threshold values exceeded.
This arrangement ensures that the counters record the large accelerations but not the small
superimposed ones which will cause negligible damage to the aircraft. The broad
specifications are as follows:

➢ Normal acceleration measurements: -1.5g, -0.5g, . 0.25g, 2.5g, 3.5g, 5.0g. 7.0g, 8.0g
measured by an accelerometer having a double mass and spring system with eddy
current velocity damping.
➢ Length, overall: 167.66 mm
➢ Width, overall (includes transit lock): 123.2 mm
➢ Height 147.32 mm
➢ Mass: 2.15 kg
➢ Connector Plessey Mk4 508/1/40060/320
➢ All the components ate mounted in a rectangular metal case which is equipped with a
transit lock to immobilize the accelerometer mass during transit and $servicing.
➢ The fatigue meter is mounted vertically in the port main undercarriage compartment
and is secured to the roof with four bolts.
➢ The fatigue meter counters should be read when the instrument is installed and at such
periods as given In Aircraft Maintenance Manual and the Aircraft Servicing Schedule.
Such readings need not necessarily be after a fixed number of flying hours, but at
regular intervals while the aircraft is being serviced.
➢ The fatigue meter Is required to function only when the aircraft is in flight. This
condition is attained when the undercarriage is locked up, via the port up-lock
switch. Operating voltage Is 28 Vdc.