Preventing risks and costly helicopter repairs: new system
NLR and PhotonFirst announce the development of an innovative monitoring system for helicopters.
Published on June 17, 2025
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At the Paris Air Show in 2025, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) and PhotonFirst announce the development of an innovative monitoring system for helicopters, which will enable real-time monitoring of a helicopter's condition.
Preventing costly repairs and risks
Unplanned downtime and costly repairs are a major challenge for helicopter services, as they can affect operational efficiency and flight safety.
Predictive maintenance offers a solution by identifying and addressing potential problems before they become major challenges. This reduces downtime and risks for crew and passengers, and lowers overall maintenance and repair costs. The more accurately loads can be monitored, the better the knowledge of the condition of the structures.
Specially designed for extreme conditions
PhotonFirst will launch a new aviation-approved fiber sensing interrogator at the Paris Air Show, specially designed for use in extreme conditions. This sensor type, based on optical fiber sensors and integrated photonic chips, will be certified for use on the NH90 helicopter in July. In close collaboration with PhotonFirst, NLR is further developing this technology into a fully integrated solution suitable for broad application in the helicopter market and beyond.
