The Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has developed propeller balance software for air force C-130J aircraft.
The software will help improve the process of dynamic balancing of propellers to reduce vibration levels in C-130J aircraft.
DSTO has carried out a flight test programme on an air force C-130J aircraft to develop the initial concept of the software.
The test results were used to develop an algorithm that, together with data obtained from existing onboard sensors, provided a propeller balance solution.
The software will allow propeller balancing to take two hours without the need for engine ground runs.
It will save the air force $2m of maintenance hours and fuel savings, and free up personnel and aircraft for other tasks.