Owing to the continually evolving needs of the South African Air Force (SAAF), aviation and service offering company Safomar plans to ensure that the Vibration Control Centre (VCC) at the SAAF becomes renowned for excellence in vibration management globally.
Mentioning its relationship with SAAF, Safomar CEO Shai Shalem said during the third Helitune Conference earlier this month, in Gauteng, that one of the key focuses for Safomar in the near future is to establish comprehensive vibration programmes for each aircraft type within the SAAF, as well as improve aircraft availability and ensure continued airworthiness while reducing the cost of ownership.
“We also plan to equip the SAAF with the latest equipment to match its changing requirements in order to improve operational readiness. Also, we want to provide squadrons and units with the highest standard of training available, as well as expert knowledge, through specialised training,” he pointed out.
Currently, Shalem noted, Safomar had a full-time expert on site at the SAAF that enables the VCC to resolve any vibration-related issues that may arise quickly and effectively. Moreover, having a field engineer on site has allowed the company to be involved in all aspects of vibration within the SAAF.
“The responsibility of our on-site expert at the SAAF has meant that we handle yearly calibration at the various units and squadrons; make sure that we find faults and troubleshoot any problems that occur; fix minor repairs up to O level; and liaise with aviation equipment supplier Helitune on D level repairs,” he indicated.
Moreover, in its continued effort to advance aircraft vibration equipment, which is supplied by Safomar to the SAAF, vibration analysis equipment manufacturer Helitune has released its latest Rotortuner product in the RT 6 system designed for airborne use.
Speaking about the RT 6 during the conference, Shalem said that the product was built to reduce flight times, owing to features that allow for multiple simultaneous data collections, and reduce the number of flights, owing to minimum flight routine solutions algorithm and the product also requiring minimal training for preprogrammable operator interface.
“Through the partnership we have with Helitune, we strive towards a common goal of improved aircraft vibration health, aircraft availability, reduced cost of ownership and also improved safety and airworthiness. This will empower SAAF to effectively manage the vibration health of its aircraft fleet,” he concluded.